Three generations of WA cricket immortalised at WACA Ground

The statues were revealed as part of WA Cricket’s 2026-27 Season Launch and now form a permanent feature of the redeveloped WACA Ground precinct.

Representing male, female and Aboriginal cricket, the three statues celebrate the development, diversity and growth of the game in Western Australia across more than 140 years.

WA Cricket CEO John Stephenson said the statues ensured three important stories in the State’s cricket history would have a permanent home at the WACA Ground.

“These statues recognise three remarkable people who each hold an important place in the story of cricket in Western Australia,” Stephenson said.

“Dennis, Zoë and Joseph represent different generations and different parts of our game, but each has made an enduring contribution to cricket in this State.

“As the WACA Ground begins a new chapter, it is fitting their stories will have a permanent place here for generations to come.”

Australian cricket great Dennis Lillee led the national attack with distinction for more than a decade, finishing his Test career with 355 wickets from 70 matches at 23.92.

He became Test cricket’s leading wicket-taker when he surpassed Lance Gibbs’ mark of 309, while his career included a standout 1972 Ashes tour where he took 31 wickets at 17.67 and was subsequently named one of Wisden’s five Cricketers of the Year in 1973.

For Lillee, having his likeness permanently positioned at a Ground synonymous with his career carries particular significance.

“To be recognised with a statue at the WACA Ground is a tremendous honour,” Lillee said.

“I spent a lot of my career playing at this Ground and have some great memories here, both playing for Western Australia and Australia.

“The WACA Ground has always been one of the great cricket grounds, so it’s pretty special to know I’ll be standing here for a long time to come.”

Zoë Goss was a trailblazer and stalwart of Australian and Western Australian cricket across a career spanning almost two decades.

After making her international debut in Perth in 1987, the all-rounder went on to play 65 ODIs and 12 Tests, scoring more than 1,300 international runs and taking 84 wickets across both formats.

Goss was part of the first WA Women’s team to win the National Championship in 1986, before captaining WA in the Women’s National Cricket League Final in 1999-00 and continuing to represent her State until her retirement in 2006.

“It’s incredibly special to be recognised in this way, particularly at the WACA Ground where so much of my cricket journey took place,” Goss said.

“The women’s game has come such a long way since I first played for Australia, and I’m happy to have played a small part in that journey.

“This statue represents all the women who have played before me, all the women I played with and against during my career, and I hope will inspire the generations to come to enjoy this great game.”

The third statue honours Joseph Nogolgot, the first Nyoongar team captain, who led the 1879 Aboriginal Team in one of the earliest examples of organised Aboriginal cricket in Western Australia.

Historical sketches from the time helped inform the statue’s design, capturing Joseph’s stance and leadership.

His statue was unveiled by former WA Aboriginal Cricket and Culture Advisory Committee Chair Professor Colleen Hayward AM, recognising the important place Aboriginal cricket holds in Western Australia’s cricket story.

“Joseph Nogolgot’s story is an important part of Western Australia’s cricket history and one that deserves to be better known,” Professor Hayward said.

“To see Joseph permanently recognised at the WACA Ground is a significant moment and a fitting acknowledgement of the long history of Aboriginal cricket in this State.

“This statue ensures his story and contribution can be shared with generations to come.”

The three statues were created by renowned public artists Gillie and Marc as part of their global Statues for Equality initiative, which seeks to improve gender and racial representation in public art.

Located in the WACA Ground plaza forecourt, the works form part of the broader public art and site interpretation program incorporated throughout the transformed precinct.

The statues and public art program have been made possible through generous donors and a $5.2 million Lotterywest grant supporting the transformation of the WACA Ground.

The Lotterywest grant has also supported the Lotterywest Karda Playspace, sensory rooms, museum and interpretive works, and all-ability changing facilities, helping make the WACA Ground more accessible and welcoming for the whole community.