Women as Leaders: Sharyn Hill

Introduced to the game by her cousin and former Australian cricketer Shirley Banfield, Hill took an immediate liking to the sport when she joined Clifton Hill Cricket Club.

Known by her teammates as “Fang”, Hill then moved to North Yarra Cricket Club, now known as Brunswick Park Ladies, where she excelled as an all-rounder.

Having shown good form in club cricket, Hill received a state call-up, making her debut for Victoria in 1974.

In the 1977-78 season, she received the highest honour in cricket, making her Australian debut. Enjoying the opportunity to travel the world, Hill played in three Tests for her country, piling on 80 runs and taking four wickets.

The two-time World Cup winner also saw success in the short form, playing in 14 one-day internationals and notching her highest score of 76.

Upon retirement from the elite level, Hill became involved in Diamond Creek Cricket Club, where she would have a significant influence on her son, Commonwealth Bank Bushranger Michael Hill.

With Michael having great enthusiasm about cricket, Hill transitioned into coaching the junior team and becoming a MILO in2CRICKET coordinator.

“We played a lot of backyard cricket with Michael,” Hill said.

“He would always come home and say ‘can we go out back and have a hit’.”

Coming out of retirement to play a season with her son, Hill received a rare opportunity with the pair combining for a batting partnership to help Diamond Creek claim a premiership.

“It was just fantastic and something that will never happen again,” said Hill.

Hill also extended her cricketing knowledge to coaching her region’s pathway team, which boasted Commonwealth Bank VicSpirit’s Elyse Villiani.

Still involved in the in2CRICKET program at Diamond Creek, Hill enjoys spending her time watching her son play at the elite level.

“I actually get really nervous and just like seeing him (Michael) get past that first ball,” Hill said.

After years of experience, Hill notes that her passion for the game is still alive.

“There’s been a lot of miles put into cricket but I don’t regret one moment of it.”

“I still love the game, no matter the format.”

Sharyn Hill is the second story in Cricket Victoria’s Women as Leaders series. Each month we will highlight the achievements of the leading women in Victorian cricket. Click here for more information on Women as leaders in cricket.