Healy and Clark front World Cup

Belinda Clark led Australia to victory in 1997 and 2005

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Ian Healy and Belinda Clark have been named by Cricket Australia as official ambassadors for the ICC women’s World Cup being staged in Australia from March 7-22.

The two will make appearances and act as spokespeople to promote the event, which is the only ICC international cricket series to be held in Australia until 2015.

The World Cup brings together eight national teams for 25 matches to be played in Sydney, Canberra, Bowral and Newcastle.

Australia are the defending champions, having won the 2005 event and will face stiff competition from England, South Africa, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and West Indies.

As the most successful Australia women cricketer and manager of the Centre for Excellence at Cricket Australia, it is a natural role for Clark and she is relishing the opportunity to bring more attention to the women’s game.

Clark has competed in four women’s World Cup Events from 1993 to 2005. She captained Australia in three cup tournaments, with victory in 1997 and 2005.

Ian Healy is looking forward to being part of the women's World Cup © Getty Images

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“This is a wonderful opportunity to place women’s cricket on the world stage,” Clark said.

“The women’s World Cup has enjoyed a long history and now, with ICC ownership, it will definitely be of a world-class standard.

“The top eight nations will meet in a show of outstanding skills, as you would expect in an international tournament.”

Healy is a keen supporter of women’s cricket having practised alongside some of Australia’s best female cricketers.

“The skill level and technical aspects of the game are definitely comparable between women and men," said Healy.

“Women’s cricket is highly technical and the players really shine.

“There is true athleticism and skill that comes with women’s cricket, which makes it excellent value and a great day out for all the family.”