‘Fantastic effort’ – Belinda Clark congratulates Amelia Kerr

Belinda Clark, the former Australia Women captain, hit 229* against Denmark Women in 1997. It was the first double-century in one-day international cricket, by a man or a woman.

It remained the best individual score in a women’s ODI till earlier this week, when New Zealand Women teenager Amelia Kerr went past it. Kerr, just 17, smashed 232* against Ireland Women in Dublin, and made the day even more special for herself by then returning a five-for.

Speaking afterwards, Kerr admitted to not having heard of Clark, whose milestone innings came even before the youngster was born.

Clark probably didn’t mind that, but she would have been happier if an Australia had broken her record.

“Congratulations, Amelia. Fantastic effort to break the record of 229 not out. The fact you did it on a six on the last ball of the day makes it an even more theatrical occasion,” said Clark.

“I'd rather an Australian break the record, but I'll take a 17-year-old Kiwi instead.”

Clark, 47, added that she was looking forward to New Zealand's tour of Australia in September and later in the ICC Women’s World T20, to be played in the Caribbean.

“I can't wait to see you play in Australia in October, and of course when you arrive in the World T20, where the sparks will fly. Well done,” she said