Two icons join the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame
Two of Australia’s greatest cricketing icons, Brett Lee and Alex Blackwell, have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the game at the highest level with their induction into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.
The 2025/26 inductees both enjoyed distinguished international careers, representing Australia in all formats and playing pivotal roles in multiple World Cup and Ashes triumphs.
The duo joins names such as Sir Donald Bradman, Bill Ponsford, Shane Warne, Belinda Clark AO and Lisa Sthalekar in the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame, which was established by the Melbourne Cricket Club in 1996.
Brett Lee
One of the fastest bowlers the game has seen, Lee represented Australia across all formats with distinction from 1999 to 2012.
Lee contributed to three ICC Cricket World Cup titles (1999, 2003 and 2007) and multiple Ashes campaigns. Renowned for breaking the elusive 160km/h barrier and regularly exceeding 150 km/h, he combined express pace with durability, finishing his international career with more than 700 wickets for Australia across all formats.
Career by the numbers
- 76 Tests, 310 wickets at 30.81
- 221 ODIs, 380 wickets at 23.36
- 25 T20Is, 28 wickets at 25.50
Lee was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2006 and was recognised as Australian Test Player of the Year in 2008, claiming the prestigious Allan Border Medal.
Affectionately known as ‘Binga’, he was admired for his humility, professionalism and team-first mindset.
Peter King, Australian Cricket Hall of Fame, Chairman, said:
“Brett Lee’s induction into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame is richly deserved,” King said.
“He was not only one of the fastest and most exciting bowlers the world has seen, but also an outstanding ambassador for Australian cricket. Brett’s impact went beyond statistics.
“He inspired fans around the world with the way he played the game, the respect he showed opponents, and the pride he took in representing his country.”
Alex Blackwell
One of Australia’s most dependable players, Blackwell represented her country across all formats from 2003 to 2018.
Blackwell played a total of 251 international matches for Australia, and at the time of her retirement, she was the most capped Australian women’s cricketer in history. She amassed 5,250 international runs and three One Day International centuries, including a memorable hundred at the MCG against England in 2008.
Career by the numbers
- 12 Tests, 444 runs at 22.2
- 144 ODIs, 3,492 runs at 36
- 95 T20Is, 1,314 runs at 21.19
Blackwell captained Australia in 33 matches across all formats, leading the team to its first ICC Women’s World T20 title in 2010 and an Ashes victory in 2011. She was also a key contributor to multiple ICC Women’s T20 World Cup triumphs (2012 and 2014) and ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup wins (2005 and 2013).
At domestic level, Blackwell won 14 Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) titles and two national T20 championships with the NSW Breakers and also captained the Sydney Thunder to the inaugural Women’s Big Bash League title.
Beyond her on-field achievements, Blackwell has been a leading advocate for diversity and inclusion, playing a significant role in shaping a more professional and equitable cricketing landscape.
Belinda Clark AO, Australian Cricket Hall of Fame selection panel member, said:
“Alex’s induction into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame is a fitting recognition of an outstanding career and contribution to the game.
“She was a fantastic leader who was always calm under pressure and was deeply respected within the playing group.
“She has played a pivotal role in taking women’s cricket to where it is today, and her influence continues to be felt long after her retirement.”
