Australian cricket pioneer Norma Johnston dies aged 95

Pat Cummins has described Australian women’s Test cricketer Norma Johnston as a “pioneer” after she died aged 95.

Johnston (nee Whiteman) was Australia’s oldest living Test cricketer until her death.

She played seven Tests for Australia from 1948 to 1951 as a middle-order batter and medium-pace bowler, scoring 151 runs at an average of 25.16 and claiming 22 wickets at 17.26.

Cummins, the Australian men’s Test captain, was among those who have paid tribute to Johnston.

“Norma was a pioneer of the women’s game and until her death was Australia’s oldest Test cricketer,” Cummins tweeted.

“She was passionate about cricket, about her hometown of Bathurst and the many women who would follow in her footsteps representing their state and country.

Retired Australian international Mel Jones said Johnston deserved a “mountain of thanks” for her contribution to cricket.

“Always indebted to those before us for the foundations and showing us the joy in the game,” Jones tweeted.

Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley said Johnston did much to push the cause of female cricketers.

“Everyone across Australian cricket will be saddened to hear of Norma’s passing,” he said in a statement.

“As a pioneer, Norma not only made a wonderful contribution as a player but helped set the platform for the many thousands of women and girls now playing the game.

“On behalf of everyone in Australian cricket, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Norma’s family and friends at this sad time.”

The Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) said Johnston would be remembered as a great of the game.

“Norma was a dear and much-loved member of the ACA and a trailblazer who helped lay the path for all of the women playing the game today,” the ACA tweeted.