Cricket Australia appoints Mel Jones OAM to Board

The Board of Cricket Australia today announced the appointment of incoming Director, Melanie Jones OAM, effective immediately.

Jones was recognised in 2019 with one of Australia’s highest honours, the Medal of the Order of Australia, for services towards cricket and the community among a long list of accolades and acknowledgements.

A former first class cricketer, Jones debuted for Australia in 1997 when she joined the team and won her first of two World Cups (2005). The following year saw her make her first Test century, while on debut (131), in her first of two successful Ashes campaigns (2004). Upon her retirement she sat third on the WNCL’s highest run scorers list with 3,338 runs.

Jones’ cricket career spanned 1995 to 2011 where she played for Surrey County, Essendon Maribyrnong Park premier club, and Victoria and Tasmania at State level. She has remained an active participant holding various television commentary and presenting roles domestically and internationally.

Cricket Australia Chair, Earl Eddings welcomed Ms Jones to the Board:

“Mel has been an active and inspiring part of the cricket fabric for many years and we are privileged to have her join the Board. Australian Cricket has been undergoing significant change over the past two years and I’ve no doubt Mel’s experience on and off the field will be an asset to the team as we move into our next phase.

“Mel’s commitment to the game and her advocacy, particularly for women in sport, will only bolster our continued focus on advancing cricket to be the number one sport for women and girls.

“Her understanding of the pressures and privilege of play, in addition to the challenges and opportunities of administration are a welcome complement to an already-strong team.

“A trailblazer in cricket, it is only fitting that Mel is also the first female elected to the CA Board as a State nominee. The Cricket Victoria Board should be congratulated on their selection,” said Eddings.

Cricket Victoria Chair, Paul Barker, said:

“Mel’s involvement in the game over the past decades allows a strong and personal understanding of the connection cricket has with the community. The team at CV are proud to have Mel represent the local perspective knowing she has the global good of cricket at heart. She is a true champion of the game”.

Cricket Australia Director, Mel Jones OAM, said of her appointment:

“I’m excited to have this opportunity to work with the Board to strengthen cricket’s bond with the community and ensure a healthy and sustainable future for the next generations.

“I have much admiration for the work that has been undertaken over the past 18 months in particular, an incredibly challenging time for cricket, and testament to its place in the hearts of Australians,” said Jones.

A former Non-Executive Director of Bowls Australia (2014-17), Ms Jones was also a member of the Victorian State Government Women in Sport and Recreation Taskforce 2014- 15 and Red Dust Board Member (2010-13) where she remains an Ambassador. Prior she was a Talent Manager at TLA Worldwide’s International Division (2011-17), managing the careers of Australia’s leading athletes across individual and team sports including basketball, cricket, netball and Olympic sports.

A qualified Secondary School teacher and champion for inclusion and equality in sport, Jones has spent the past two decades working with and advocating for cricket in indigenous communities, pathways championships, schools programs and greater access to cricket involvement for females at all levels. This includes five years as pathways, schools and female cricket development manager at Cricket Victoria (2005-10).