Rolton named Australia skipper

Karen Rolton © Getty Images

Karen Rolton has been announced as the new Australian women’s cricket captain, succeeding the retired Belinda Clark.

Rolton, 31, received the news following a meeting of Cricket Australia directors who endorsed the left-hander for the leadership role. New South Wales all-rounder Lisa Sthalekar was named vice-captain.

Cricket Australian chairman Creagh O’Connor said: “We congratulate Karen on becoming Australia’s women’s cricket captain.

“It is a tremendous honour for Karen and recognition of her position in the game, as well as the respect and leadership she holds among her peers.

“As we continue to try and attract more players to the game, Karen will play a key role in this alongside her male counterpart Ricky Ponting as our role models and leaders in cricket.

“We wish her every success and welcome her to one of the highest positions in Australian cricket.”

Rolton said: “This is something I have always dreamed of, and I am honoured to be given the chance to lead women’s cricket in Australia.

“There are a number of people that I would like to thank, including my family, my friends, my team-mates and all who have played a role in my cricket career over the years.

“I know I have some big shoes to fill to take up where Belinda left off, but we are entering a new era, a transition phase if you like, not just within the team but in the broader context of where the game is headed and I’m very much looking forward to playing a key role in shaping women’s cricket as we move forward.

“It’s a great challenge and I will do everything I can to help lift and drive the game in Australia.”

The 2005 World Cup hero has been the Australian vice-captain since 1997 and, after making her international debut in 1994-95, has gone on to develop an impressive list of on-field credentials.

Rolton takes over as captain from Belinda Clark

She is currently the third highest ODI run-scorer in women’s cricket (3,624 runs at 56.62) and the second Australian behind Belinda Clark (4844 runs).

Her all-round ability is reflected in that she has also captured 77 ODI wickets at 22.11 – seventh on the list of all-time ODI wicket-takers – and, with the upcoming one-day matches against India later this month, Rolton is on course to become one of a handful of players to take 100 ODI wickets.

In Test cricket, Rolton requires another 50 runs to become Australia’s leading Test run-scorer and she could break the mark in her home town this month with a Test scheduled against India at Adelaide Oval.

With 870 Test runs at an average of 66.92, she trails former captain Clark (919 runs) as Australia’s leading Test run-scorer, while her unbeaten 209 against England at Leeds in 2001 remains the highest individual Test score by a female player.

Rolton’s first assignment as full-time Australian captain begins in a few weeks time when Australia takes on India in a one-off Test (February 18-21) and three one-day matches (February 25, 26 and 28) in Adelaide.

The Australia squad features two uncapped players in 24-year-old New South Wales fast bowler Sarah Andrews and 21-year-old Queensland wicket-keeper Jodie Purves.

Returning to the Australian team for the first time since 2003 is Queensland captain Melissa Bulow and New South Wales batter Michelle Goszko.

The four incoming players replace Belinda Clark and Lisa Keightley (both retired) and Julia Price, Emma Liddell and Sarah Edwards from the squad that toured England in July/August last year.

Australia women’s squad: Karen Rolton (capt), Lisa Sthalekar, Sarah Andrews, Alex Blackwell, Kate Blackwell, Melissa Bulow, Cathryn Fitzpatrick, Michelle Goszko, Julie Hayes, Shelley Nitschke, Kirsten Pike, Jodie Purves, Clea Smith.