Images courtesy of: dailytelegraph.com.au and ESPNcricinfo
Simpson and Hockley will be inducted into the Hall of Fame during the fifth and final Ashes Test
Former Australia captain Bob Simpson and New Zealand cricketer Debbie Hockley will be inducted into the International Cricket Council (ICC) Hall of Fame during the fifth and final Test between England and Australia in Sydney.
Simpson, who was also an opening batsman, is the 72nd male cricketer to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, while Hockley is only the fourth woman to be bestowed with the honour.
Simpson scored 4,869 runs in 62 Test matches, which included 10 centuries and 27 half-centuries and came at a brilliant average of 46.81.
He also played two ODIs, where he was only able to amass 36 runs at an average of 18.
“It is a huge honour for me to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame,” Simpson said. “To be inducted in the elite group in Sydney, which I consider the headquarters of Australia cricket, and in front of the people I have known or who have seen me play or been associated with the game here, will make it perfect.
“I would like to thank all the living members of the ICC Hall of Fame and the voting academy, for considering me worthy of this honour. The very prospect of being in the exalted company of some of the greatest achievers in cricket fills me with great pride and joy.”
Meanwhile, Hockley represented New Zealand in 19 Test matches and scored 1,301 runs, which included four centuries and seven half-centuries, at a sensational average of 52.04.
Hockley also played 118 ODIs, scoring 4,064 runs, which included four centuries and 34 half-centuries, at an average of 41.89.
Hockley was the first woman to play 100 ODIs and score 4,000 runs in the format.
“I am very proud that my contributions to New Zealand cricket in the time I played have been deemed worthy of this honour,” Hockley said. “I’m very much looking forward to the induction ceremony in Sydney, and the fact that my parents have been invited to attend the function will make it even more special.”