Australian cricket legend Belinda Clark hopes the world's first life-sized sculpture of a female player "in full flight" will inspire more young girls to take up the sport.
The bronze statue of the former Australian captain was unveiled at the SCG by former governor-general Quentin Bryce today, on day two of the men's Test between Australia and South Africa.
Dame Quentin said she expected the sculpture to be popular.
"But most especially the thousands of little girls who will look up to it, look out to it, reach out to it," she said.
"They will listen to the story of Belinda Clark, the little girl from Newcastle who like them liked sport and wanted to be a champion and never gave up."
The batter's sculpture stands alongside other greats of the game including Fred Spofforth, Richie Benaud, Stan McCabe and Steve Waugh.
Ms Clark said she believed it recognised and represented the many women and girls playing cricket in the country.
"It is somewhat strange to see a life-sized replica of yourself in full flight, and it's equal parts exciting and humbling," she said.
"We should not underestimate the positive impact of having courageous women in one's eye-line.
"Who would have thought that a small sports-mad girl from Newcastle, primarily a tennis player?"
SCG Chairman Tony Shepherd was also in attendance alongside Cricket Australia Chair Lachlan Henderson.
"We recognise Belinda for all she has achieved as a player, leader, mentor and administrator, as well as all that will be achieved by those she's brought to the sport," Mr Shepherd said.
"Belinda's legacy is only going to continue to grow along with that of women's cricket in Australia."
Ms Clark captained Australia for 12 years, and led the nation at three World Cups.
In 1997 she became the first cricketer to make a double century in a One-Day International when she scored 229 not out from 155 balls against Denmark.
She played her first official match during high school.
