Born on January 6, 1979, Clea Rosemary Smith emerged as a remarkable talent in Australian cricket. Excelling in all cricket formats, she became a key player for the national team.
Her prowess extended across Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODI), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20I). Smith’s career shines as a testament to her dedication and skill.
Her journey in cricket, filled with thrilling performances, captivated fans worldwide. Smith’s role in shaping Australian cricket remains undisputed. Her legacy inspires aspiring cricketers, symbolizing excellence and commitment.
Key Takeaways
Hide- Versatile Career Span: Clea Smith's cricket journey spanned over a decade, starting from the 1998/99 season to the 2011/12 season with Victoria, demonstrating her long-term commitment and impact in the sport.
- Domestic Excellence: In her domestic career, Smith played 165 limited overs games and 37 Twenty20 matches, establishing herself as a significant figure in Victoria's cricket history.
- Remarkable Hat-Trick: A highlight of her career was achieving a hat-trick in a WNCL match against Western Australia in 2007, a rare and commendable feat in cricket.
- International Debut and Retirement: Smith's international career with the Australian team began in 2000 against England and concluded in 2011, marking over a decade of international cricket excellence.
- Record-Breaking Test Score: She made a record-breaking Test score of 42 runs, the highest by a female cricketer batting at number 11.
- Impactful Legacy: Smith's career is celebrated for its dedication, skill, and her role in shaping Australian cricket, especially inspiring young female cricketers.
- Diverse Format Player: She successfully played across all major cricket formats – Test, ODI, and T20I, demonstrating her adaptability and prowess in each format.
Clea Smith: A Cricket Career
Clea Smith, a name synonymous with Australian women’s cricket, showcased remarkable talent in her illustrious career.
She dazzled in 165 domestic limited overs games, including 117 Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) matches for the Victorian Spirit.
Additionally, Smith’s career saw her playing in 37 Women’s Twenty20 matches. Her prowess peaked in November 2007, during a WNCL match against Western Australia.
Remarkably, she took a hat-trick, a rare feat in cricket. Smith ended the match with an astounding 5 wickets, conceding just 10 runs. These figures stood as her career-best.
Furthermore, Smith’s international career was equally impressive. She represented Australia in one Test, 48 One Day Internationals, and 13 Twenty20 Internationals.
Her achievements include a record-breaking Test score, the highest by a female cricketer batting at number 11. An incredible 42 runs etched her name in the annals of women’s cricket history.
After a 14-year career, Smith retired in May 2012. Her legacy includes being one of only three bowlers to take a WNCL match hat-trick, marking her as a true cricketing legend.
A Storied in Domestic Journey: Clea Smith’s Victoria Tenure
Spanning over a decade, Clea Smith’s cricket career with Victoria began in the 1998/99 season and concluded after the 2011/12 season. This period marked an era of dedication and skill.
Initially joining the team as a promising talent, Smith rapidly developed into a cornerstone of Victoria’s cricket squad.
Her journey, filled with memorable performances, not only enriched the team but also left an indelible mark in Victoria’s cricket history.
Embodying commitment, Smith’s tenure at Victoria was a testament to her passion for the sport. Each match showcased her evolving expertise and unwavering spirit.
Throughout these years, fans witnessed Smith’s transformation from a novice to a seasoned veteran, contributing significantly to Victoria’s success on the field.
Her legacy at Victoria serves as an inspiration for upcoming cricketers, symbolizing the epitome of sportsmanship and dedication.
International Career of Clea Smith: An Australian Cricket Icon
Clea Smith, a renowned name in Australian cricket, made her impactful entry into international sports in the year 2000.
Her debut in One Day Internationals (ODIs) against England on January 29 marked the beginning of an illustrious career.
This remarkable journey spanned over a decade, during which she showcased exceptional skill and determination.
In a historic match on August 9, 2005, Clea donned the Australian cap for her only Test match. This game, played against England, remains a significant milestone in her career.
Clea’s presence on the field always brought an electrifying atmosphere, captivating cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
Transitioning to the fast-paced world of Twenty20 Internationals, Clea first stepped onto the T20I stage on July 19, 2007.
Her debut match against New Zealand added another feather to her cap, marking her as a versatile player.
Clea’s final T20I appearance, on June 27, 2011, against England, concluded her T20I journey. However, her legacy in this format continues to inspire upcoming cricketers.
Clea’s last ODI was on July 7, 2011, again facing England, her frequent adversary. This match marked the end of an era for Clea in ODIs.
Throughout her career, she consistently demonstrated remarkable prowess, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Clea Smith’s journey through international cricket, spanning from 2000 to 2011, is a testament to her dedication and skill.
Her performances across Test, ODI, and T20I formats have etched her name in the annals of cricket history. Her legacy continues to inspire and enthuse aspiring cricketers, especially young women, around the globe.
Clea Smith: Milestones in International Cricket
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| National Side | Clea Smith represented Australia from 2000 to 2011. |
| Historic Test | Her only Test, wearing cap number 147, was on 9 August 2005 against England. |
| ODI Debut | Smith debuted in ODIs as cap number 90 on 29 January 2000, facing England. |
| Final ODI Match | She played her last ODI on 7 July 2011, again challenging England. |
| T20I Entrance | Her T20I debut, donning cap number 18, occurred on 19 July 2007 against New Zealand. |
| T20I Farewell | Smith’s last T20I was on 27 June 2011, ending her T20I journey against England. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are Clea Smith's notable achievements in her domestic cricket career?
Clea Smith began her career with Victoria in the 1998/99 season, concluding in 2011/12. She emerged as a key player, playing 165 domestic limited overs games and 37 Women’s Twenty20 matches. Her pinnacle moment was in November 2007, when she achieved a hat-trick against Western Australia, ending the game with 5 wickets for just 10 runs.
How did Clea Smith contribute to international cricket?
Smith’s international career was impressive, representing Australia in one Test, 48 ODIs, and 13 T20Is. She holds a record for the highest Test score by a female cricketer batting at number 11, with an incredible 42 runs. Her debut in ODIs was against England in 2000, and her last ODI was also against England in 2011.
What legacy did Clea Smith leave behind in cricket?
Clea Smith is renowned for her versatility and dedication, inspiring young cricketers, especially women. Her journey showcases her exceptional skill in various formats, including Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. She is one of only three bowlers to achieve a hat-trick in a WNCL match, solidifying her status as a cricketing legend.
