Aussie trailblazer one of three Hall of Fame inductees

Former Australian fast bowler Cathryn Fitzpatrick has been inducted into the International Cricket Council’s Hall of Fame.

A two-time World Cup winner as a player, Fitzpatrick played 13 Tests and took 60 wickets at an average of 19.11, and played in 109 one-day internationals, taking 180 wickets at 16.79.

She also spent a record 2113 days as the No.1-ranked ODI bowler in the world, from 2000 to 2007.

After retiring from playing, Fitzpatrick went on to coach Australia's Women's team and won a World Cup and two ICC Women's World Twenty20 titles.

Fitzpatrick was recognised by the International Cricket Council at a ceremony in London on Thursday, along with fellow inductees Sachin Tendulkar and Allan Donald.

"To gain recognition alongside many of the game's giants is a huge honour," she said.

"I look at the list of past inductees and what stands out most is not only their outstanding talent, but that they were game changers. They took the game on and changed the way it was played.

"Looking back, I can think of many highlights, which include winning the World Cup in 1997 and 2005, but it is a tour of England in 1998 where the Women's Ashes was conceived that stands out. Playing five ODIs followed by three Test Matches on a tour lasting six weeks was a time that I felt I was just a cricketer and didn't have to combine work alongside playing.

"I have had many people over the journey who have guided me as coaches, teammates, administrators and friends and I would like to thank them all."

Tendulkar, regarded by many to be the greatest cricketer of all time, was inducted as soon as he became eligible, five years after his retirement from international cricket.

“I would like to thank all of those who were by my side over a long international career,” he said.

“My parents, brother Ajit and wife Anjali have been pillars of strength while I was lucky to have someone like coach Ramakant Achrekar as an early guide and mentor.”

Donald, one of the powerhouses of South African cricket in the post-Apartheid era, finished his career with 330 Test wickets as well as 272 in one-day internationals.

“The biggest shock when you open an e-mail like that - it says congratulations Allan Donald, you have been inducted in the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame!” he said.

“It hits you, it hits you quite hard because it is a prestigious award and something that you can’t take lightly.”