While lockdown has enforced a lockdown throughout the globe, men seem to have gained momentum with fancy bio-bubbles but International cricket for women searches for the schedules.
One of the most talked-about competitions in recent times, however, has been the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy. The tournament has been covered by cricket enthusiasts throughout the globe and is heartening to note that the tournament is launching a platform for facilitating female officials at the apex levels of the game.
It is interesting to note that two women umpires stand at matches in all the matches which will be played across ECB’s Women’s Big Cricket Month. This moment will mark a new high for the presence of female officials during an ECB competition at such a recognized level.
Chris Kelly who manages ECB umpires says that the decision will present a fantastic opportunity for the new officials to learn and gain insights from the new experience.
She said that “All the appointed umpires have the relevant experience to be chosen for these opportunities, as well as the technical ability to justify their appointments. We’ve been working hard to increase the number of opportunities for female officials and it is good for the game to see such a high number of female officials involved in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy. Most of the officials will be appointed alongside a colleague who is experienced within the environment in which these matches are being played, allowing them to learn from the experience and to start to understand the further demands necessary at this level of the women’s game”.
She adds that being supported by the right lot of mentors and the right people will give the best learning environment to enable these officials to move ahead in their umpiring career. According to her, the move will initiate the start of the women’s umpiring pathway with the most skilled umpires starting their journey towards women’s international cricket.
With greater involvement of females at various posts in the game, one can hope that the game will grow more supportive and sensitive towards women. The greater involvement in the game will only help to shorten the game.
The umpires for the matches are as follows –
Sue Redfern MBE
Jasmine Naeem
Anna Harris
Fiona Richards
Sarah Bartlett
Sophie McLelland
Yvonne Dolphin-Cooper
Malinda Underdown
Lina Nenova
Joanne Ibbotson
A student who enjoys studying cricket more than anything else, keen to learn the insights of the women’s game.
