Alex Blackwell, Michael Clarke inducted into Cricket NSW Hall of Fame

Blackwell and Clarke join 53 fellow greats in the prestigious Hall of Fame, which recognises the state’s greatest players for their on-field contributions for NSW and Australia. 

They join greats including Sir Donald Bradman AC, Richie Benaud OBE, Belinda Clark AO, Alan Davidson AM, Steve Waugh AO and Lisa Keightley who have previously been honoured by the CNSW Board. 

Both Blackwell and Clarke are Life Members of the NSWCA, inducted in 2025 and 2020 respectively, recognising their service to cricket in the state. 

Lee Germon, Cricket NSW CEO, said: 

“Cricket NSW congratulates Alex Blackwell and Michael Clarke on their elevation to the Hall of Fame in recognition of their outstanding careers for NSW and Australia. 

“Both were among the outstanding batters of their generation, while also being outstanding captains and inspirational role models for cricket fans and participants.” 

The full list of Cricket NSW’s Hall of Fame can be found below. 

Alex Blackwell 

Alexandra Joy Blackwell was born on August 31, 1983, ten minutes before identical twin sister and fellow future Australian cricketer Kate. 

Together, they grew up on a vineyard in the Murrumbidgee region before relocating to Sydney as boarders at Barker College, where they rediscovered their love for cricket. 

A fast ascent through the ranks saw Blackwell debut for the NSW Breakers in 2001-02 and Australia in early 2003, making her first ODI and Test appearances against England. 

In 18 seasons with NSW, Blackwell was a key pillar in the most dominant era of Australian domestic cricket history. She was a member of 14 Women’s National Cricket League title-winning sides, including eight as captain, while amassing 6744 runs across 207 appearances and remains the competitions third highest run scorer. In additon, she was captained the NSW Breakers to two Australian Women's Twenty20 Cup title wins in 2012/13 and 2014/15. 

Blackwell’s imperious form at state level carried through to the national outfit, where she became the first Australian female player to represent her country over 200 times. From her debut to final appearance in 2017, Blackwell scored 5250 runs in 251 matches, while also captaining Australia to 2010 T20 World Cup and 2011 Ashes glory. 

Her leadership qualities shone through again in 2015-16, leading Sydney Thunder to the inaugural Women’s Big Bash League title. 

Following her retirement in 2018, Blackwell has continued to serve the game as a Director on the Cricket NSW Board and via the media, being a leading advocate for inclusion in sport.  

Michael Clarke 

Born on April 2, 1981, Michael John Clarke honed his batting craft at his father’s indoor cricket centre in Liverpool before bursting onto the Premier Cricket scene with the Western Suburbs club as a teenager. 

His star rose quickly in in the 1999-2000 summer, captaining Australia at the Under-19 World Cup, while making his First-Class debut for NSW against a touring Indian side and receiving an Australian Cricket Academy scholarship. 

Clarke quickly became a regular in the Blues’ outfit in the early 2000s, impressing with his fast footwork, dashing off-side play, useful left arm spin and electric fielding. 

After making the bulk of his 84 NSW appearances in that time, scoring 4222 runs, Clarke quickly ascended to the national side, making his Australian ODI (2003), Test (2004) and T20I (2005) debuts. 

The first of Clarke’s 28 Test centuries came during that 2004 debut in Bangalore, with his 151 not out arguably his best innings until amassing 329 not out against India at the SCG in January 2012. 

The historic knock was the first of four Test innings of 200 or more in the 2012 calendar year for Clarke who, by then the Australian captain - a role he filled 139 times across all formats – was also ranked the best batter in the world. 

Clarke’s outstanding tactical leadership was matched by his steely resolve, with his defining moments as captain coming in the 2014 Adelaide Test and 2015 Cricket World Cup, when he guided Australia to victory in the final at the MCG. 

In a 12-year international career, Clarke’s 17112 runs across all formats places him sixth all-time for Australia, while he is also a four-time Allan Border Medallist and Australian Cricket Hall of Fame member. Following his playing career, Clarke has maintained his connection to cricket via numerous media roles. 

You can view the full Cricket NSW Hall of Fame here.