Mel Jones OAM

Mel Jones OAM's Biography

As a pioneer for Women's Cricket in Australia and around the world, Mel 'MJ' Jones OAM has done many great things for her sport.

Melanie was part of a great era of women’s cricket being part of two successful World Cup and Ashes campaigns. Scoring a world record test debut score of 131 against England as well as being quoted in Wisden as the world best fielder Melanie was an exciting player to watch.

Since retiring in 2010 Mel has shifted her focus to the media, sports management and being an Ambassador for Indigenous health promotion charity Red Dust.

Having played, coached and commentated in England, South Africa, India and the West Indies Melanie has a wealth of experience and knowledge to add to any broadcast team or corporate day.

Backyard cricket is where it all started and it still provides Mel with the purest and freest memories of play. Hot summer days in her grandparents’ backyard in Rutherglen, Victoria with all the quirky traditions and hard fought competition that I think gave me the perfect foundation to understand and love the spirit of  the game.

From backyard to the joys of club cricket which for so long has given Mel a sense of belonging and connection as well as the opportunity to play, coach, develop and continue some of the best traditions of the game and also create some new ones.

And finally, the place where you’re truly tested and you experience the full gamut of emotions – playing for your country. From receiving one of the most iconic sporting items in Australia, the baggygreen, and wearing it while scoring a century on debut, to being dropped – numerous times – and faltering when it mattered most for the team. The roller coaster life of elite sport.

Away from cricket Mel’s a Melbourne girl at heart and it will always be home no matter where she is in the world. Having studied a Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Movement and then a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education teaching at Victoria University she took herself off for 6 winters in a row coaching, developing and promoting girls’ cricket overseas. Three stints in South Africa and three playing and working for Surrey Country Cricket allowed Mel to coach from grassroots to elite, from townships to The Oval.

With an increasing commentary workload, she now finds herself traveling the globe working on various International and Domestic cricket broadcasts.

Mel is an experienced commentator, presenter, emcee and keynote speaker with a demonstrated history of working in the sports industry. A strong media and communication professional skilled in television, radio and digital platforms with engaging capabilities to speak and comment on a wide range of topics including - cricket, sport, women in sport, inclusion, diversity, teamwork, leadership, sports participation from grassroots to elite, as a player, coach and board member.

Speaking Topics Include

Inspirational journey of my cricket career

Women in Sport – From grassroots to elite, player, coach & board member

Inclusion & diversity

Leadership & team