Kolkata : ICC has announced 3 new inductees in the prestigious ICC Hall of Fame. They are – English legendary opener and former skipper Alastair Cook, Indian Women’s Legendary spinner Neetu David & South African legend, also known as Mr 360°, AB De Villiers.
(1) Alastair Cook
STATS :
161 Tests – 12,472 runs at an average of 45.35, one wicket
92 ODIs – 3,204 runs at an average of 36.40
4 T20Is – 61 runs at an average of 15.25
One of the greatest ever opener England have ever produced is Alastair Cook. Known for his prolific Batting and able leadership, he took England to new heights.
The player with dynamic technique, stroke playing, served the English team for 12 years , ended his stint as England’s all time leading run scorer. He is also among top six in the world even six years after his retirement.
Cook’s career is marked by numerous accolades, including his pivotal role in England’s two greatest overseas victories in recent times: the 2010-11 Ashes triumph and the 2012 Test series win in India.
Recognised for his outstanding leadership, Cook captained England for several years, guiding them to a host of notable series wins abroad.
His mental toughness and resilience were particularly evident during his career, highlighted by his 159 consecutive Test appearances, a world record for the most consecutive Test matches played.
Cook admitted he was shocked when told of his induction into the ICC Hall of Fame.
“It was a surprise, and certainly just when you read the list of people that you’re joining, it’s a great list to have joined. I feel very privileged,” Cook said.
“Every time I pulled on the English shirt, I tried my best to be as good as I could be. I had the best 20 years playing cricket “.
“I was very lucky to stay injury-free, meet some great people, share some great highs, and some great lows, which I think are important as well, and make memories which I’ll never forget.”
(2) Neetu David
STATS :
10 Tests – 41 wickets at an average of 18.90, 25 runs
97 ODIs – 141 wickets at an average of 16.34, 74 runs
Neetu David has a huge impact in Indian Women’s Cricket and is only the 2nd Indian after Diana Edulji to be included in ICC Hall of Fame.
A handy spinner, Neetu is the 2nd highest ODI wicket taker of India with 141 ODI scalps, becoming 1st Indian Women’s player to bag 100 ODI wickets.
Neetu is remembered for her spell of 8/53 against England in 1995 Test match, which is still the best Test figure in Women’s Test History.
David said it was a great honour to join such an exclusive group and be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.
“It is truly an honour to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, something that I consider to be the highest recognition available to anyone who puts on their national team jersey. This comes after a lifetime of dedication to this great sport and it caps a very special journey for me to get to this point,” David said.
“To be considered a Hall of Famer alongside the greatest players that ever lived is humbling, and I am thrilled to be part of this exclusive club”.
“I would like to thank the ICC for the recognition, as well as all the BCCI, my teammates, coaches, family and friends that were a constant source of support throughout my career.”
(3) AB De Villiers
STATS :
114 Tests – 8,765 runs at an average of 50.66, 2 wickets
228 ODIs – 9,577 runs at an average of 53.50, 7 wickets
78 T20Is – 1,672 runs at an average of 26.12
AB De Villiers is known for his dynamic short playing all over the park and thereby remains a fearsome Batter in every bowler’s mind.
De Villiers made a lasting impact during a 14-year international career, scoring more than 20,000 international runs across all three formats, while also revered as one of the greatest fielders to grace the game.
Recording the fastest-ever men’s ODI century, multiple ICC Men’s ODI Player of the Year Awards and selected in the ICC Test Team of the Year on numerous occasions, De Villiers was also a leading player in the game’s shortest format during its formative years as an international format.
Exiting from international cricket in 2018, De Villiers finished with a batting average of more than 50 in both Test and ODI cricket, with Jacques Kallis the only other South African player to boast more than de Villiers’ 20,014 international runs.
De Villiers paid tribute to the contribution his South African teammates had made throughout his international career.
“It is a tremendous honour to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, joining a select group of cricketers to be recognised in this way,” De Villiers said.
“Cricket is often described as an individual sport within a team game… and it’s true that, whether you are a batter taking guard at the crease or a bowler pausing at the start of his run-up, you – and only you – are responsible for what happens”.
“That said, everyone who plays cricket understands it is, in spirit, a team game”.
“And I know I would have achieved nothing without the help and support of so many teammates, coaches and support staff from my early days at school in Pretoria, through so many memorable days at the Titans and with the South Africa team – and, indeed in franchise cricket – all around the world.”
