Photo Credit: Cricket Australia
Australian Cricket is mourning the loss of Norma Johnston (nee Whiteman) who has died aged 95.
Johnston played seven Tests from 1948-51 and, until her passing, was Australia’s oldest living Test cricketer.
A middle-order batter and medium pace bowler, Johnston scored 151 Test runs at 25.16 and took 22 wickets at 17.26 and is remembered as a valuable and highly popular member of the post-war Australian Women’s team.
Johnston’s outstanding potential was first recognized in the annual NSW Country Week tournament and her selection for NSW and then Australia helped inspire more female participation in her region.
Johnston returned to Bathurst upon her retirement in 1951 where she became an integral part of her local sporting community.
Nick Hockley, CA Chief Executive said:
“Everyone across Australian Cricket will be saddened to hear of Norma’s passing,” he said.
“As a pioneer, Norma not only made a wonderful contribution as a player but helped set the platform for the many thousands of women and girls now playing the game.
“On behalf of everyone in Australian Cricket I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Norma’s family and friends at this sad time.”
Cricket Australia (CA), formerly the Australian Cricket Board (ACB), is the governing body for cricket in Australia. Established in 1905 as the Australian Board of Control for International Cricket, CA manages all national teams, including Men’s, Women’s, and Youth sides, as well as other national teams. It oversees the organization of Test matches, ODIs, and T20Is, and coordinates home international fixtures.
