Michelle Goszko etched her name in the annals of Australian cricket history with an awe-inspiring double century in June 2001. While the cricketing world often recalls Jason Gillespie’s farewell double ton, it is essential to recognise Goszko’s remarkable feat.
Goszko’s incredible innings unfolded over an arduous 395 minutes at the crease against England at Shenley, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Recently, she graciously shared her reflections on this achievement during an interview with Matt Ellis on the Cricket Library Podcast.
The match began with England winning the toss and electing to bat. However, they soon found themselves struggling against Australia’s formidable pace spearhead, Cathryn Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick’s devastating spell saw her claim remarkable figures of 5-29 from 18.1 overs, dismantling the English top order as they were bundled out for a below par 103.
Goszko vividly recalls the emotions that swirled within her as she stepped onto the field, realising her childhood dream of playing a test match. Without any specific run target in mind, she focused on embracing the opportunity to make an impact, starting with just one run.
“I just remember standing out there and going this is the dream to play a test, it’s something you’ve watched on TV for so long and how to embrace the opportunity and I didn’t have any plans about how many runs I wanted to get I just wanted to get one”
On the first day, Goszko experienced a nerve-wracking moment when, overcome with excitement, she called for a risky run that could have resulted in her or her batting partner, Lisa Keightley, being dismissed. Fortunately, Keightley calmed her down, emphasising the importance of composure and reminding her they had the whole next day to continue their partnership.
“I think I batted at number four that day and I had to go in and bat I think for about 45 minutes at the end of the first day and I was starting with Lisa Keightley and I I got that excited that I think last ball of the day I hit the ball straight to midwicket and I called yes and she’s like what are you doing no! I would have been run out by half a pitch or barbecued Lisa Keightley and she’s like just calm down we’ve got tomorrow”
Goszko and Keightley survived the day, and Australia were well poised to take the ascendency in the game at 2-60 at stumps with Keightley on 19 and Goszko on 21.
The following day, Goszko embarked on her journey to achieve significant milestones, fuelled by the encouragement and support of her roommate, Charmaine Mason, a talented player on the tour.
“I was rooming with Charmaine Mason who was just as good as Catherine Fitzpatrick they were like a good duo bowling together Fitzy was probably if she was quicker but Charmaine could swing the ball a little bit both ways and and she was a really hard player to play against. I was rooming with her and she thought she was my lucky charm after after this two hundred so I roomed with her for the whole two months pretty much. I was lucky that she came out and I I sort of gone through my you know 20 30s 40s 50s and she said it to me at the lunch break if you get 100 I’ll give you 20 quid. I’m like yeah you beauty, we were getting 20 quid a day that was our payment, I was like oh my gosh like this is so good I can afford dinner.”
However, Mason, recognising Goszko’s hunger for success, increased the stakes to 50 quid if she surpassed the double-century mark.
“I’ve got a hundred and then she actually said to me I think it was at tea or something like that she’s like if you get 200, I’ll give you 50 quid I’m like oh my god if I get that I can buy a steak so I was very excited driven by my stomach mind you.”
With a succulent steak for the taking Goszko was in the zone and laser-focused on making history. She was running out of partners, however, and it was fitting that she would be joined at the crease by Charmaine and with one wicket in hand, it was all on the line.
“As it would be, I got to 194 I think and we had nine wickets down and coming out to bat is Charmaine Mason she was the last and I’m like oh there goes my 50 quid”
But Mason’s determination to witness history unfold took charge. She urged Goszko on, defending resolutely and ensuring Goszko’s monumental innings reached its pinnacle. Eventually, after a gruelling 395 minutes at the crease, Goszko achieved an extraordinary 204 runs.
“Anyway, she’s come out and she looked in the eye and she’s like don’t you, I won’t swear, get out we’re going to get you to 200. okay all right she was bossing me and she defended so well out there she kept every ball out and I nudged my way to 200. which was unbelievable and it was really good synergy for me to be out there with with Chucky and and to get that and after the game we went out to celebrate.”
Despite being unable to relish the anticipated steak, Goszko showcased her selfless nature by generously treating her teammates to the spoils of her accomplishment.
“That 50 Quid that I got I ended up putting on the bar and I got none out of it anyway so, I didn’t even get a steak”
Australia went on to have a comprehensive win in the Test Match knocking England over in their second innings for just 101 with Olivia Magno and Catherine Fitzpatrick each claiming 3 wickets along the way.
Interestingly, the combined total of both English innings amounted to 204 runs, precisely equaling Goszko’s remarkable individual score. Reflecting on this coincidence, Goszko humorously remarks how she wishes she had scored just one more run to claim sole responsibility for outscoring the entire English team.
“But it was surreal that my 204 equalled both Innings from England so I kind of I wish I got one more run because then I could say I beat England on my own”
Reflecting on the achievement Michelle puts it in perspective, acknowledging how important her team were in helping her to achieve the personal milestone.
“You need your teammates out there to help you and I was lucky enough to build those sort of Partnerships with everybody and I couldn’t have done it without my team.”
Ultimately, Michelle Goszko’s extraordinary double century is a testament to her determination, perseverance, and invaluable support from her teammates. Her accomplishment will forever be etched in cricketing history, an inspiring tale of individual excellence intertwined with the spirit of teamwork.
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