Kumble, Wilson inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

Former India captain Anil Kumble and Australian legend Betty Wilson have today been inducted into the International Cricket Council Hall of Fame at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Kumble is just the fourth Indian to be included in the elite group, joining Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and Bishan Bedi.

"It's an honour to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame," Kumble said.

"Indeed, it will be a great moment of pride to receive it during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

"I deem it as a great privilege to join the list of great cricketing luminaries."

The 44-year-old played 132 Tests for India, capturing 619 wickets and became the second man in history to take 10 wickets in an innings when he dismantled Pakistan in 1999 to finish with figures of 10-74.

"Anil was an outstanding international cricketer, a very well-respected opponent, a great statesman for his country and a role model for millions of aspiring cricketers," said ICC Chief Executive David Richardson.

"He played hard but within the spirit of the game. His performance and record speak volumes for his tenacity, commitment, endurance and service to the game."

Alongside Kumble, Wilson becomes the second Australian woman in the Hall of Fame behind champion batter Belinda Clark.

Wilson, considered one of the greatest female cricketers of all-time, played 11 Tests between 1947 and 1958, scoring 862 runs at an average of 57.4 and claimed 68 wickets at 11.8 runs apiece.

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland described Wilson as a "trailblazer and role model".

"It is entirely appropriate for her to receive this recognition as Betty was a trailblazer and a role model for the women’s game and her figures stand comparison with players from any era," said Sutherland.

"The women’s game in Australia is now going from strength to strength but without the efforts of players such as Betty is it doubtful if it would be as healthy as it is today.

"The fact she is only the second Australia woman after Belinda Clark to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame illustrates her stature, and cricket in this country can be proud of Betty’s presence in the list of the game’s outstanding talents."

In 1957 against England, Wilson became the first cricketer, male or female, to take score a century and take 10 wickets in a Test.

"History shows that Betty was an inspiring cricketer, one of the pioneers of women's cricket and immensely respected because she always put cricket first," Richardson said.

"Had her debut not been delayed by World War II, I am sure she would have scored lot more runs and taken many more wickets."

Kumble and Wilson become the 77th and 78th inductees into the Hall of Fame that features names like Bradman, Richards, Warne, Hobbs and Sobers.