ICC Hall Of Fame: The International Cricket Council announced three legends to enter the ICC Hall of Fame on Wednesday: Alastair Cook of England, Neetu David of India, and South Africa’s AB de Villiers.
Alastair Cook (England)
The most valuable of this glory belongs to no other than Alastair Cook, the greatest opening batter in Test cricket’s history. His patience, skill, and concentration have redefined consistency as a Test opener over 12 fantastic years of international cricket. Six years after retirement, he is still among the top six globally. He retired as England’s all-time leading run-scorer.
Sir Alastair Cook has been inducted into the @ICC Hall of Fame 🏅
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) October 16, 2024
Congratulations, Chef 🧑🍳 pic.twitter.com/qf3VAasDgY
Cook was instrumental in several notable overseas triumphs during the tenure of the England cricket team, such as during the 2010-11 Ashes and the 2012 Test series in India. Cook captained the side through many successful series with class leadership, while his resilience is epitomized by a world record of 159 consecutive Test appearances.
“It was a surprise. I feel very privileged, Cook said talking in relation to the induction. He added while discussing his various years of service, it is all really teamwork and even memories that one can never forget.”
Cook’s Stats:
Tests: 161 | Runs: 12,472 | Average: 45.35 | Wickets: 1
ODIs: 92 | Runs: 3,204 | Average: 36.40
T20Is: 4 | Runs: 61 | Average: 15.25
Also Read: IND Vs NZ First Test, Day 1: Persistent Rain Forces Cancellation Of Day One Action!
Neetu David (India)
Following in Diana Edulji’s footsteps, Neetu David is the second Indian woman to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. A prolific spinner, David stands today as the second-highest wicket-taker for the country in women’s ODI cricket, boasting 141 wickets and claiming the record for being the very first Indian woman to have crossed the milestone of 100 ODI wickets.
Introducing India's latest ICC Hall of Famer, Neetu David 🎖️
— Women’s CricZone (@WomensCricZone) October 16, 2024
The iconic left-arm spinner becomes the second Indian to be inducted into the Hall of Fame! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/G32j6kVwh4
Her international career was marked by a solitary all-round performance – 8/53 against England in 1995. That remains the best figure by a woman in Test innings. Off the field, David contributes to cricket as the selection chair for India’s women’s team, chalking up a new professional era.
“I’m truly grateful. It’s quite an honor. And I’m pretty thrilled to be a part of this exclusive club,” she said.
Neetu’s Stats:
Tests: 10 | Wickets: 41 | Average: 18.90 | Runs: 25
ODIs: 97 | Wickets: 141 | Average: 16.34 | Runs: 74
AB de Villiers (South Africa)
Probably one of the most creative as well as the most destructive batsmen cricket has seen in the current era, AB de Villiers has scored more than 20,000 runs during his 14-year-long international career across all three formats for which he is also known to be a brilliant fielder.
A player central to the evolution of the modern game across all three formats 👏
— ICC (@ICC) October 16, 2024
AB de Villiers enters the ICC Hall of Fame 🏅
More ⬇https://t.co/jSn2zh9hiv
De Villiers has the record for the fastest men’s ODI hundred and claimed a number of ICC Men’s ODI Player of the Year awards during his career. He was the keynote force behind T20 cricket in its formative years. He abruptly retired from the game at the end of 2018. He averaged considerably better in Tests and One Day Internationals than his equivalent Jacques Kallis and was very close to South Africa’s combined tally.
De Villiers said “It is a tremendous honour to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. I know I would have achieved nothing without the help and support of so many teammates.”
De Villiers’ Stats:
Tests: 114 | Runs: 8,765 | Average: 50.66 | Wickets: 2
ODIs: 228 | Runs: 9,577 | Average: 53.50 | Wickets: 7
T20Is: 78 | Runs: 1,672 | Average: 26.12
Also Read: Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Mitchell Marsh Poised To Deliver Against India!
