The finisher: ODI icon Bevan elevated to Hall of Fame

Michael Bevan has been elevated to the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame after a tweak to the criteria governing selection.

Bevan, one of Australia’s greatest white-ball players, scored 6,912 runs at 53.58 from 232 ODIs while routinely steering his side to victory in chases.

The batter’s last-ball four, to secure a one-wicket win at the SCG on New Year’s Day in 1996, ranks highly among the sport’s most iconic moments.

Other famous moments include making 102 off 95 balls against New Zealand at the MCG in 2002, to lead Australia to victory after they had been 82 for 6, and his unbeaten 74 against England at the 2003 World Cup.

Bevan, who featured in both the 1999 and 2003 World Cup wins, has been eligible for elevation for 15 years.

But, until last month, the Hall of Fame’s rules penalised him for a relatively-modest Test career that spanned 18 matches.

“It was Michael’s exceptional playing record and public standing that pushed the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame Committee to review its selection criteria,” Hall of Fame chairman Peter King explained.

“To ensure players who excelled in one-day or Twenty20 Internationals were equally recognised as those who shone in the Test format. Michael without a doubt revolutionised white-ball cricket and became a household name for his masterful batting, amazing athleticism and ability to chase down runs.”

Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley described Bevan as an “icon and a pioneer”.

“He was a favourite among fans with his incredible temperament and ability to deliver in pressure situations,” Hockley said. He is a two-time World Cup winner and finished his career with one of best records in 50-over cricket. He was also one of the most prolific run-scorers in the Sheffield Shield during what was one of the strongest eras in Australian cricket.”

Representing Australia, New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia, Yorkshire, Sussex, Leicestershire and Kent, Bevan played 237 first-class matches making 19,147 runs at 57.32, including 68 centuries and 81 half-centuries with a top score of 216.

Bevan follows this season’s previous inductees, Michael Clarke and Christina Matthews. (ESPNcricinfo)