Disgraced Australian cricketer Michael Slater officially erased from history after Wagga Wagga Council takes action

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

The name of the oval is in the spotlight after the first Australian Test Cricketers a dramatic fall from grace and tumultuous legal troubles.

Slater faces 19 charges relating to alleged offenses committed on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast on various dates between December 5, 2023 and April 12.

Get the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today

He has been charged with misdemeanor domestic violence unlawful stalking or menacing, breaking and entering into a habitation with intent at night, simple assault, assault causing bodily injury and suffocation or suffocation.

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

The council is now taking action, but the decision is not unanimous.

The vote in favor of the name change was 4-3, with some councilors feeling the former cricketer’s deeds on the field and his contribution to the area should be taken into account.

Cr Rod Kendall argued that Slater suffered from a “medically diagnosed mental health problem” and changing the name of the ground would achieve nothing.

In May, councilor Jenny McKinnon shared a photo of the sign on the ground with Slater’s name painted on it.

“I have called on the council to change the name of this oval as a matter of urgency. Glad to see someone (council maybe?) has taken some covert action,” McKinnon said on social media at the time.

The council said a new name for the oval would be put out for “public exhibition” in the next few days.

Names in the mix to replace Slater include former Cricket World Cup winners Alex and Kate Blackwell, Olympic rugby sevens gold medalist Alicia Quirke and former Matildas star Sally Shippard.

Dallas Mayor Toth said the change will not affect Slater’s position in the city’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Slater was behind bars after being refused bail at Maroochydore Magistrates’ Court in April.

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

Slater’s legal team is ready to challenge the allegations of physical abuse.

After making his debut during the 1993 Ashes tour, Slater played 74 Tests for Australia, amassing 5,312 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 career as a television commentator.

– With AAP