Neetu David, former Indian left arm spinner included into ICC Hall of Fame

Neetu David, Alastair Cook, and AB de Villiers have been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. They are the 113th, 114th, and 115th members of the club.

Former Indian left-arm Spinner Neetu David, who featured in 10 Tests and 97 ODIs became the second Indian woman after Diana Edulji to be part of the ICC Hall of Fame. David is the second-highest wicket-taker for India in women's ODI cricket with 141 scalps and was also the first female player from India to claim 100 ODI wickets. She still holds the record for the best bowling figures in a women's Test innings, taking 8/53 against England in 1995. More recently, she has continued her deep connection with cricket, serving as the selection chair for India’s women’s team. David won the role in September 2020 and had to oversee the transition of an Indian team that had to usher in some young talent following the retirements of former greats Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami. David has been partly responsible for the growth of current India stars like Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh as they have established themselves at an international level while continuing to look for ways off the field to boost the performance of the national side.

Neetu David on being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame

"It is truly an honour to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, something that I consider to be the highest recognition available to anyone who puts on their national team jersey," David said in an ICC statement. "This comes after a lifetime of dedication to this great sport, and it caps a very special journey for me to get to this point. I would like to thank the ICC for the recognition, as well as all the BCCI, my teammates, coaches, family, and friends that were a constant source of support throughout my career."

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England's batter was the leading run-scorer and century-maker until recently after being surpassed by Joe Root. He amassed 766 runs in just seven innings during England's first Ashes victory in Australia in 24 years in the 2010-11 series and went on to captain England to two consecutive home Ashes wins in 2013 and 2015. Also, he was the reason behind England's first Test Series victory in 28 years in India in 2012.

Alastair Cook after joining the ICC Hall of Fame

"It is a huge honour to join some of the greatest players to have ever played the game," Cook said. "I have always felt very fortunate to have had the opportunity to play for Essex and England and so to have this latest honour given to me just makes it all the more special."

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AB De Villiers set the record for the fastest 50, 100, 150 in ODI Cricket. He amassed over 20,000 runs in international cricket. Also, he was part of their semi-final appearances in 2007 and 2015 ODI World Cup. He retired from internationals in 2018 with an average of over 50 in Tests and ODIs.

AB De Villiers thanks ICC and all the supporters after being introduced in the ICC Hall of Fame

"Cricket is often described as an individual sport within a team game … and it's true that, whether you are a batsman taking guard at the crease or a bowler pausing at the start of his run-up, you - and only you - are responsible for what happens," de Villiers said. "That said, everyone who plays cricket understands it is, in spirit, a team game. And I know I would have achieved nothing without the help and support of so many team-mates, coaches, and support staff from my early days at school in Pretoria, through so many memorable days at the Titans and with the South Africa team - and, indeed in franchise cricket - all around the world. To all of them, to the ICC, and supporters around the world, thank you."