Born: 1968
Biography:
Cathryn Lorraine Fitzpatrick, born on 4 March 1968, is an Australian former cricketer who made a significant impact on the sport during her career. Known as the world’s fastest female bowler, Fitzpatrick’s remarkable achievements have left a lasting legacy in the world of cricket. She was the first woman to take 100 One Day International (ODI) wickets, a feat that showcases her exceptional talent and skill.
Fitzpatrick’s cricket journey began in 1991 when she made her international debut for Australia. Despite juggling her full-time job as a waste collector and later a postwoman, she managed to represent her country on 124 occasions. This level of commitment and dedication to the sport is testament to Fitzpatrick’s love for the game and her determination to succeed.
In her career, Fitzpatrick played 13 Test matches, where she showcased her ability to consistently take wickets. She took a total of 60 Test wickets, making her the second-highest Australian woman to achieve this feat, only behind the legendary Betty Wilson. Her impressive average of 19.11 further solidifies her status as an outstanding bowler in the history of Australian women’s cricket.
Fitzpatrick’s impact extended to the ODI format of the game, where she displayed her remarkable skills as a bowler. She played a total of 109 ODIs and achieved a record-breaking feat by taking 180 wickets, making her the highest wicket-taker in women’s cricket until Jhulan Goswami surpassed her in May 2017. Fitzpatrick’s average of 16.79 underscores her consistent excellence in this format.
Being a part of the Australian team, Fitzpatrick experienced the joy of winning the Women’s Cricket World Cup not once but twice. She contributed to Australia’s victories in 1997 and 2005, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stage. These achievements highlight Fitzpatrick’s ability to excel in crucial moments and play a crucial role in her team’s success.
On 25 February 2006, Fitzpatrick etched her name in history by becoming the oldest woman to achieve a five-wicket haul in ODI cricket. At the age of 37 years and 358 days, she demonstrated her continued effectiveness as a bowler and her remarkable longevity in the game.
In March 2007, Fitzpatrick announced her retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a career marked by extraordinary accomplishments. She also concluded her domestic career with Victoria, having taken 148 wickets in 103 WNCL matches. Fitzpatrick’s contributions to both the international and domestic cricket scenes have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Following her retirement, Fitzpatrick took on a new role as the head coach of the Australian women’s team from May 2012 to March 2015. During her tenure, she guided the team to three successful world championship campaigns, further cementing her reputation as a knowledgeable and skilled mentor.
In recognition of her remarkable contributions to the sport, Fitzpatrick received numerous honors. In 2019, she was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame, a testament to her lasting impact on cricket in Australia. Later that year, she was also inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, further solidifying her position as one of the greatest cricketers of all time.
Cathryn Fitzpatrick’s career serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers around the world. Her achievements, dedication, and impact on the sport have paved the way for future generations of female cricketers and have significantly contributed to the growth and development of women’s cricket.
Awards:
– 2x Women’s Cricket World Cup champion: 1997, 2005
– 2x Women’s National Cricket League champion: 2002-03, 2004-05
– Belinda Clark Award winner: 2004