Michelle Goszko Named Cricket NSW Life Member

At the NSW Cricket Association AGM on 5 September, Michelle Goszko was named the association’s 228th Life Member, voted in unanimously by the members alongside former men’s test player and NSW captain Dirk Wellham.

Michelle was recognised for her contributions to the game as a player, coach and commentator, with Cricket NSW describing her as “one of the modern-day pioneers of women’s cricket in NSW”. As a player, learned her cricket in the Hawkesbury before playing for Bankstown and Sydney, and made 2,416 runs in 101 WNCL appearances for NSW with a highest score of 85, including coming out of retirement for one game in 2010 when the Breakers had lost several players to Australia duty. She also scored 669 runs in 34 ODIs for Australia, but it is her test exploits for which she was best known.

In the first of her four test matches, Michelle came in at 2/21 against England in England in 2001. She scored 204 before she was the last out at 344. Her total equalled that of England’s two innings (103 + 101) as well as equalling the then world record and it remains the equal fifth highest women’s individual test score, and the third highest for Australia.

Since retiring from playing, Michelle has coached several NSW pathways sides, mentoring talented young players, as well as being the Bears’ inaugural Director of Women’s Cricket, overseeing all aspects of our rapidly growing women’s program. She is also an accomplished commentator with the ABC. Over Michelle’s career on and off the field, the landscape of women’s cricket has changed beyond recognition – from paying to play, fundraising to tour and playing in culottes to the world of the WBBL and packing the MCG for a world cup final.

The esteem Michelle is held in within the NSW and global cricket community was made evident when she suffered a stroke last November, with messages of support and GoFundMe donations coming in from all over the world. Michelle’s determination and spirit in her recovery has been inspirational.

Cricket NSW Chairman John Knox paid tribute to both Dirk Wellham and Michelle, saying “Dirk and Michelle were both significant on-field contributors to cricket in New South Wales and thoroughly deserve their Life Memberships. While their on-field achievements have been well documented, they have also made generous contributions with their time and knowledge off the field to help inspire more people to play and love cricket. We congratulate them and more importantly thank them.”

In her acceptance speech, Michelle thanked the club for our support – but really it’s us that should thank her. Michelle is the beating heart of our women’s program and we’re very proud that she is a Bear!