OTD | 1971, Lisa Keightley, born today, finished her career as Australia’s third-highest run-scorer in the one-day game and seventh on the all-time list

On August 26, 1971, the world of cricket welcomed one of its future stars, Lisa Keightley. Born in Mudgee, New South Wales, Keightley would go on to leave an indelible mark on Australian cricket, establishing herself as one of the finest batters in the history of the women’s game.

Lisa Keightley’s cricketing journey began at a time when women’s cricket was still fighting for recognition on the global stage. Despite the challenges, Keightley emerged as a beacon of talent and determination, breaking records and setting benchmarks that would inspire generations of cricketers to come.

Throughout her illustrious career, Keightley played 82 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) for Australia between 1995 and 2005. Her ability to consistently score runs made her a crucial asset to the Australian women’s team. 

By the time she retired, Keightley had amassed 2,019 runs in ODIs, making her Australia’s third-highest run-scorer in the format at the time. Her impressive tally placed her seventh on the all-time list of run-scorers in women’s ODIs, a testament to her skill, consistency, and resilience at the crease.

Keightley’s batting was characterized by her elegance, technique, and ability to anchor innings in pressure situations. Her contribution to Australian cricket was not limited to just run-scoring; she played a pivotal role in several of Australia’s victories during her playing days. 

Coaching career and beyond!

After retiring from international cricket, Keightley continued to contribute to the sport, transitioning seamlessly into coaching. Her coaching career saw her take on significant roles, including becoming the head coach of the England women’s cricket team, where she applied her vast experience to nurture the next generation of cricketers.

Keightley’s impact on the game extends beyond her statistics. She was a pioneer who played a crucial role in elevating the status of women’s cricket in Australia and across the world. Her dedication to the sport, both as a player and coach, has left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire young cricketers today.

For more exclusive updates Visit BJSports to access Exclusive News that is only for you, incisive analysis, and updates, and to keep up with all of the latest information on your remarkable cricket favorite players and teams. To ensure you never miss out, join in on the fun right away!