Disgraced Australian cricketer officially erased from history

Wagga Wagga Council has finally decided to change the name of the Michael Slater Oval.

The name of the oval has been in the spotlight following the former Australian Test cricketer’s dramatic fall from grace and high-profile legal troubles.

Slater is facing 19 charges relating to alleged offences perpetrated on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast on various dates between December 5, 2023 and April 12.

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He is charged with domestic violence offences of unlawful stalking or intimidation, breaking into a dwelling with intent at night, common assault, assault occasioning bodily harm and choking or suffocation.

The former opening batsman and TV commentator is also charged with breaching bail and 10 counts of contravening a domestic violence order.

Now the council is taking action but it wasn’t a unanimous decision.

The vote in favour of the name change was 4-3 with some councillors believing that the former cricketer’s deeds on the pitch and contribution to the area should be taken into consideration.

Cr Rod Kendall argued that Slater was suffering from a “diagnosed medical mental health issue” and changing the ground’s name would not achieve anything.

In May, Councillor Jenny McKinnon shared a photo of the ground’s sign post with Slater’s name painted over.

“I’ve urged council to change the name of this oval as a matter of urgency. Glad to see that someone (maybe Council?) has taken some stealth action,” McKinnon said on social media at the time.

The council said a new name for the oval will be up for “public exhibition” in the next few days.

Names in the mix to replace Slater are former cricket World Cup winners Alex and Kate Blackwell, Olympic rugby sevens gold medallist Alicia Quirk, and former Matildas star Sally Shippard.

Mayor Dallas Tout said the change would not impact Slater’s position in the city’s sporting Hall of Fame.

Slater has been behind bars after being refused bail by the Maroochydore Magistrates Court in April.

His case is due to be mentioned in the same court on May 31.

Slater’s legal team are set to dispute the allegations of physical violence.

After making his debut during the 1993 Ashes tour, Slater played 74 Tests for Australia, amassing 5312 runs at an average of 42.83 with 14 tons.

He also played 42 one-day internationals.

Slater retired from cricket in 2004, embarking on a successful TV commentary career.

– With AAP

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