Published: Aug 11, 2015, 12:23 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 11, 2015, 12:23 PM (IST)
Born on August 11, 1972, Melanie Jones is probably more famous as one of the women commentators during the Indian Premier League 2015. However, there is more to her than merely commentating on the shortest format of the game. Born to a West Indian father, whom she did not meet till the age of 16, Melanie played five matches for Australia’s Southern Stars. That is not all! Melanie struck a 131 on her Test debut against England in the Women’s Ashes 1998. However, Melanie had a short international career compared to many of her teammates. She went on to play 61 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) for Australia. She made her international debut in 1998 and played ODIs till 2005.
During her IPL commentating stint, Melanie expressed her excitement of seeing more and more women commentators. “Speaking to the crew and other commentators and people in the street, everyone has been really impressed and pleased that they’ve changed things up and have females on board this year. I spoke to Aaron Finch and he was really impressed with the way all the girls are going about things. He said it was different hearing a female voice and he didn’t think it would take too long for people to get used to it. Once they get used to it, they’ll just think it’s the usual state for cricket,” Melanie was quoted as saying by Cricket Australia.
The 43-year-old has been part of two Women’s World Cup finals. Incidentally, she scored 17 on both occasions! In both the occasions, Australia went on to win the Women’s World Cup.
Melanie is currently writing on the ongoing Women Ashes in England. Not only that, Melanie works closely with the welfare of the aboriginal community in Australia.
