Rahul Dravid, Ricky Ponting and Claire Taylor became the latest inductees into the International Cricket Council’s Hall of Fame on Sunday for their stupendous achievements in the sport.
Former India captain Dravid, who currently coaches the Under-19 and ‘A’ teams, became only the fifth player from the country to be named in the elite list, after Bishan Singh Bedi, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and Anil Kumble. Dravid scored 13,288 runs in 164 Tests, with 36 centuries, and 10,889 runs in 344 ODIs with 12 centuries.
“It is a matter of great honour to be named by the ICC in the Cricket Hall of Fame,” Dravid was quoted as saying in an ICC media release. “To find your name in a list of all-time greats across generations is something one only dreams of while setting out on a cricket career and the kind of recognition that would delight any player.”
He added, “I am thankful to my near and dear ones as well as players I have played with and against, coaches and officials who have backed me over the years and helped me develop as a cricketer.
Former Australia captain Ponting is the 25th from his country to receive the honour. He ended his career in 2012, amassing 13,378 runs in 168 Tests with 41 centuries and 13,704 runs in 325 ODIs with 30 centuries.
“I feel deeply honoured to be recognised by the ICC in this way. I loved every moment of my journey as a player and am so very proud of the team and personal achievements along the way,” he said.
Former England wicketkeeper-batter Taylor, who scored 1,030 runs in 15 Tests, 4,101 runs in 126 ODIs and 615 runs in 21 T20Is, said, “It’s a great honour to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame alongside some of the greatest names of the men’s and women’s game from across the world and throughout the generations, players who I looked up to during my playing career and hold in great esteem.”
ICC Chief Executive David Richardson congratulated the three new inductees, saying, “Only the very best players in the world are recognised for their contribution to cricket in this way and I would like to congratulate Rahul, Ricky and Claire who are wonderful additions to the list of cricketing luminaries in the Hall of Fame.”
With inputs from PTI
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