 |
|
Neetu David, a former Indian spinner, has etched her name in cricketing history by being inducted into the prestigious ICC Hall of Fame. This momentous occasion marks her as only the second female cricketer from India to receive this distinguished honor. David was joined by South African legend Ab de Villiers and former England captain Alastair Cook in this hallowed space, solidifying her place amongst the titans of the sport.
David's induction into the Hall of Fame is a testament to her extraordinary contributions to women's cricket. Her career spanned from 1995 to 2008, during which she graced the international stage in 10 Test matches and a remarkable 97 One Day Internationals (ODIs). She holds the record for the best figures (8/53) by a woman in an individual Test innings, a testament to her prowess as a bowler. This achievement underscores her unparalleled skill and tactical brilliance, making her a formidable force on the field.
Beyond her record-breaking performance in Test matches, David's legacy in ODI cricket is equally impressive. With 141 wickets from 97 matches at an exceptional bowling average of 16.34, she is India's second-highest wicket-taker in ODIs. Furthermore, she was the first female player from India to achieve the milestone of 100 wickets in the 50-over format. These achievements showcase her consistency and unwavering commitment to the sport, solidifying her status as a legend.
David's journey to the ICC Hall of Fame began at the tender age of 17. She made her international debut for India in a Test match against New Zealand in 1995. Her early promise was quickly realized as she captured four wickets during the match, earning her selection for the ODI leg of the tour where India clinched the New Zealand Women's Centenary Tournament. However, it was later that year that she truly announced her arrival on the world stage.
In a match against England in Jamshedpur, David delivered a sensational bowling performance, taking 8/53 – a record that still stands as the best individual bowling spell in a single innings of a women's Test. This iconic performance etched her name in the annals of cricketing history and cemented her reputation as a force to be reckoned with. Though India ultimately fell to a narrow two-run defeat, David's performance was nothing short of remarkable.
David retired from international cricket in 2006 but made a brief comeback two years later to participate in the Asia Cup and an Indian tour of England. Her final domestic match took place in 2013, bringing an end to a remarkable career. The induction into the ICC Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to her extraordinary career, acknowledging her significant contributions to the sport and her indelible mark on women's cricket.
Source: Who is Neetu David? Meet record-breaking Indian spinner inducted into ICC Hall of Fame