Australian cricketer Norma Whiteman passes away at 86

Norma Whiteman Australia’s oldest Test cricketer and a trailblazer of the women’s game, has passed away.

The 86-year-old cricketer Whiteman was a middle-order batter and medium-pace bowler, who played for his country in seven Tests from 1948 to 1951.

Taking to Twitter Australia Cricket tweeted, “Australian Cricket is mourning the loss of Norma Johnston (nee Whiteman), who has passed away aged 95. Norma played seven Tests from 1948-51 and until her passing, was Australia’s oldest living Test cricketer. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.”

“Everyone across Australian Cricket will be saddened to hear of Norma’s passing. As a pioneer, Norma not only made a wonderful contribution as a player but helped set the platform for the many thousands of women and girls now playing the game,” Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley said.

Earlier in 1948 Whiteman made her debut and finished her career following the 1951 tour of England in which Whiteman scored 151 Test runs at 25.16.

“I loved listening to her recall touring with the pioneers of the women’s game. It was an interest she carried all the way through to her love of the WBBL and the thrill she got from just how far the game had progressed. Being a girl from Bathurst in country New South Wales, she always kept an eye on, and had a place close to her heart for all the country girls who would come through and play for their state and Australia,” Lisa Sthalekar said.

Australia captain Pat Cummins also expressed his grief and said, “This morning I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Norma Johnston. She was passionate about cricket, her home town of Bathurst, and the many women who would follow in her footsteps representing their state and country. Her contribution to Australian cricket and the friendships she made with so many within the game will live on forever.”