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Former Australia batter Michael Bevan, who was known for his excellent finishing prowess in white-ball cricket, has made it to the list of Australia’s Hall of Fame. The southpaw served Australia from 1994 to 2004, and during those 10 years, he scored 6912 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) runs with six tons and 46 fifties in 196 innings of 232 matches at a strike rate of 74.16. During his esteemed career, he played a lot of match-finishing knocks for his side, however, his 102-run innings off 95 deliveries against New Zealand at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) ranks one of the best. The innings became special as he rescued his team from a score of 82-6 while chasing 246. Riding on his batting brilliance, the Aussies secured a two-wicket triumph against the Kiwis.
Bevan, who broke into the Hall of Fame list, was eligible for the position for 15 years but his ordinary Test career was hindering the development which deprived him the spot for more than a decade. Appearing in 18 Tests, the left-handed batter could amass only 785 runs in 30 innings, with six half-centuries. However, recent reforms in the Hall of Fame rules by Cricket Australia paved the way for his entry in the list.
Bevan’s extraordinary records and reputation forced Cricket Australia to review its selection process in Hall of Fame: Peter King
Peter King, who is the Chairman of Australian Cricket Hall of Fame Committee, revealed it was Bevan’s marvellous records and reputation that forced Cricket Australia to bring changes in the selection criteria of Australia’s Hall of Fame. "It was Michael's exceptional playing record and public standing that pushed the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame Committee to review its selection criteria," Peter King explained.
He also added, "To ensure players who excelled in one-day or Twenty20 Internationals were equally recognised as those who shone in the Test format. Michael without a doubt revolutionised white-ball cricket and became a household name for his masterful batting, amazing athleticism and ability to chase down runs."
Cricket Australia Chief Nick Hockley also gave his remarks on the 54-year-old Aussie’s achievement, calling him an icon and a pioneer. "He was a favourite among fans with his incredible temperament and ability to deliver in pressure situations," Hockley said. "He is a two-time World Cup winner and finished his career with one of best records in 50-over cricket. He was also one of the most prolific run-scorers in the Sheffield Shield during what was one of the strongest eras in Australian cricket," he further added.
Following his retirement from international cricket in 2007, Bevan remained active in cricket as a coach. Back in 2011, he coached Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the illustrious Indian Premier League (IPL).