Former Australian player Eileen Uebergang passes, aged 83

Former Australian and Victorian cricketer, Eileen Uebergang (née Massey) has passed away at the age of 83. Both Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria acknowledged her contribution to the game, by paying tribute to her.



Born in 1935, in Albany, Western Australia, her family relocated to Melbourne, Victoria after World War II. There, she represented Collingwood, working her way up to represent her state as well.



An all-rounder, Uebergang was a right-hand bat and bowled right-arm medium pace. Her debut game for Australia came in January 1957; a Test match against their trans-Tasman rivals, New Zealand. The match was held at Adelaide over and proved to be a memorable one for Uebergang, as her side one by an innings. She played a part in her sides success, by claiming two scalps and scoring 32 runs.



Uebergang then represented Australia in three more Tests, amassing a total of 53 runs and remaining unbeaten on three of those occasions.



Her second Test was played at St. Kilda, in Melbourne. The match ended in a draw, but has been etched in the history books, as during it, Victorian Betty Wilson did what nobody before her had done. She scored a century, and claimed a 10-wicket haul in the same match!



Following the demise of Uebergang, Cricket Australia CEO, Kevin Roberts, paid tribute to her, saying, “Our thoughts are with Eileen’s family at this time, and all the friends she made throughout her time in cricket."



“A pioneer of the women's game, Eileen's efforts and passion are especially notable in the absence of support that the players of today have, including gender pay equity.



“Among her many achievements, Eileen captained her club Collingwood to four consecutive premierships. We pay our respects to Eileen and acknowledge her involvement in all levels of the game," he concluded.