Melbourne, Feb 3 (PTI) – Former Australian cricketer Michael Bevan, celebrated as one of the greatest finishers in One Day International (ODI) history, has been inducted into Cricket Australia’s Hall of Fame. The 54-year-old, renowned for his composure under pressure and strategic run chases, played a crucial role in Australia's 1999 and 2003 World Cup-winning campaigns.
Bevan, who primarily batted at number six, amassed 6,912 ODI runs at an impressive average of 53.58 across 232 matches between 1994 and 2004. His ability to maintain a steady required run rate through calculated singles and twos made him a master of the limited-overs format.
Cricket Australia confirmed the honor with a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating,
"Congratulations to former Australian player Michael Bevan on his induction to the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame."
"Minimising risk, understanding which bowlers to target, selecting the right shots, and knowing when to accelerate or slow down were the key principles I used."
With 67 unbeaten ODI innings, 46 half-centuries, and six centuries, Bevan often rescued Australia from precarious situations with his calculated approach. However, his Test career did not mirror his ODI success. He played only 18 Test matches between 1994 and 1998, acknowledging that he struggled with the longer format.
"I wasn’t ready for Test cricket. I had my own demons," Bevan admitted.
Bevan’s remarkable ability to control chases and execute match-winning knocks made him an invaluable asset to Australian cricket. He reflected on his finishing role, saying,
"Winning close games was always there—it wasn’t something I learned, it was just intrinsic. I was aligned with being the reliable, dependable person in pressure situations."
With his induction into the Hall of Fame, Bevan’s legacy as an ODI great is now officially cemented, honoring his unmatched ability to steer Australia to victory in the most challenging circumstances.
Bevan, who primarily batted at number six, amassed 6,912 ODI runs at an impressive average of 53.58 across 232 matches between 1994 and 2004. His ability to maintain a steady required run rate through calculated singles and twos made him a master of the limited-overs format.
Cricket Australia confirmed the honor with a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating,
"Congratulations to former Australian player Michael Bevan on his induction to the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame."
A Natural ODI Finisher
Reflecting on his career, Bevan credited his success to a deep understanding of the format. Speaking to cricket.com.au, he explained:"Minimising risk, understanding which bowlers to target, selecting the right shots, and knowing when to accelerate or slow down were the key principles I used."
With 67 unbeaten ODI innings, 46 half-centuries, and six centuries, Bevan often rescued Australia from precarious situations with his calculated approach. However, his Test career did not mirror his ODI success. He played only 18 Test matches between 1994 and 1998, acknowledging that he struggled with the longer format.
"I wasn’t ready for Test cricket. I had my own demons," Bevan admitted.
Admired by Teammates and Captains
Former Australian captain Steve Waugh, in his autobiography, praised Bevan’s relentless work ethic, stating that he "would literally invent strokes in his pursuit of excellence."Bevan’s remarkable ability to control chases and execute match-winning knocks made him an invaluable asset to Australian cricket. He reflected on his finishing role, saying,
"Winning close games was always there—it wasn’t something I learned, it was just intrinsic. I was aligned with being the reliable, dependable person in pressure situations."
With his induction into the Hall of Fame, Bevan’s legacy as an ODI great is now officially cemented, honoring his unmatched ability to steer Australia to victory in the most challenging circumstances.
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