World’s oldest Test Cricketer, former English legend, Eileen Ash passed away at the age of 110. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced her sad demise in a social media statement Saturday.
“The thoughts of everyone at the ECB are with the family and loved ones of Eileen Ash, who has died aged 110.” the board tweeted.
The right-arm seamer made her debut to the national side in 1937 against Australia and in a career spanning till 1949, she took 10 wickets in the seven matches she played. She was given the honour of ringing the bell at Lord’s in the Finals of the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup where the host, England have crowned the champions after beating India in a thrilling Finals.
Known as a remarkable woman, Ash believed in happiness, smile, and yoga as the mantra for a successful and long life. She practiced yoga even after her reaching the triple-digit mark and prior to it played golf till the age of 98.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Eileen’s family.
Rest in Peace 🙏 pic.twitter.com/WX7qNcluE2
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) December 4, 2021
Soon after ECB’s statement, tribute poured in from across the globe for Ash who also worked with British intelligence during the second world war.
As shared by ICC on their website, Clare Connor, ECB’s managing director of women’s cricket said, “Our sport owes so much to its pioneers and Eileen was one of them. I am deeply sad to be saying goodbye to her today.
“Heather (Knight) and I went to visit Eileen about six months before the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup – she was 105 at the time – and it was one of the most remarkable experiences. Eileen taught Heather yoga, we played snooker, we drank cups of tea and we leafed through newspapers and scrapbooks celebrating Eileen’s time as a player in the 1930s and 1940s.
“She regaled us with some amazing stories, including how she came to have her bat signed by Sir Donald Bradman at a French restaurant in Sydney in 1949! I know neither of us will ever forget that day, it was so special.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Eileen’s family as they come to terms with losing such a wonderful woman and the end of an astonishing life.”
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