Just days after issuing a rallying cry to Western Australians urging them to secure the future of Test cricket in Perth, the state’s leading administrator has announced her shock resignation.
The opening Test match against Pakistan beginning next Thursday will be the last in the lengthy tenure of Western Australian Cricket Association chief executive Christina Matthews.
There is much riding on next week’s Test in Perth. The state has enjoyed significant success in domestic cricket competitions and also growth at grassroots during Matthews’ tenure, according to a release from the WACA announcing the resignation.
While the move from the traditional WACA Ground to high-tech Optus Stadium has worked for the Big Bash, with the Perth Scorchers making attending the cricket a popular evening drawcard, it is yet to prove anything near a hit when it comes to Test match cricket.
Western Australia’s hard border policy during the pandemic cost the state Test matches, while only 42,743 fans attended last year’s clash against the West Indies, prompting Matthews’ call to the state’s residents to attend the opening Test next week in masses.
The decision made midway through last decade to move across the Swan River from the WACA Ground to Optus Stadium caused a rift between Matthews and Australian fast-bowling legend Dennis Lillee and is among the battles she has fought during her tenure.
The champion bowler quit his role as president of the WACA in 2015 in protest at the decision of the Matthews-led executive and also the rejection of an initial plan for a commercial and residential development on surplus ground at Perth’s traditional home of cricket.
With Matthews’ plea to Western Australians in mind, the marketing gurus have been hard at work ahead of the Test, with Matthews hopeful 70,000 fans will attend Optus Stadium.
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There will once again be a pool at the ground for fans, though some cricketers might also seek relief with predicted temperatures in the 30s in the infancy of the Test match that begins the Australian summer of cricket.
A manufactured ‘hill’, which is a nod to the much-loved grassy patch at the WACA Ground which used to host Test cricket, has also been introduced in a bid to win over patrons.
“We’re looking for Western Australians to really get behind this and make sure there’s no opportunity for Cricket Australia to ever take a Test match away from us again,” Matthews told the ABC.
But Matthews, who was always steadfast in her fight to protect and further cricket in her adopted state during a 12-year tenure, will not be there for any future battles with Cricket Australia or other members of the WA cricket community.
Amid reports of friction between factions on the WACA board, Matthews broke the news of her resignation at the end of the summer to directors at a meeting in Perth on Tuesday night.
Matthews’ pending departure follows the resignation of former WACA chairman Terry Waldron last year, who cited fatigue and mental health concerns following attempts to mediate disputes between rival factions in WA cricket.
“I’m humbled by what we have achieved, from the elite to community level, and am proud to be stepping aside with the game in excellent health,” Matthews said in a statement.
“The decision has not come easily, but it is the right time for me to close this chapter. That said, I have been connected to cricket for over 50 years and look forward to enjoying the game I love in new ways.”
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The announcement drew plaudits from the ruling bodies in her state and also nationally, along with disbelief among some parties in the state given her decorated career.
A statement from the WACA noted the state’s teams had won an unparalleled 14 elite-level titles across all five of Australia’s men’s and women’s competitions during her reign, with 32 Western Australians selected for national duties during this period.
It pointed to the massive redevelopment of the WACA Ground, with a new pavilion and swimming pool being built amid a $163.4 million renovation of the iconic oval, along with her work spreading the game among juniors and to underprivileged communities.
Matthews, who is Australia’s most capped female Test cricketer and holds the world record for the most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in Tests, earned various administrative accolades during her time in the role.
WACA chair Avril Fahey said Matthews dedication and drive to make cricket a sport for all was among the reasons she would be missed when her tenure ends.
“Christina’s record speaks for itself … with the organisation in strong financial and reputational health,” she said.
Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley praised Matthews for her involvement in cricket in different roles for more than 50 years, stating she “leaves an immense legacy”.
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