During the Rachel Flint Trophy, both Sunrisers and Southern Vipers players are wearing black armbands on 8th May 2024 to pay tribute to the passing of former England women’s player and selector, Patsy Lovell MBE.
The Sunrisers and @southernvipers_ players are wearing black armbands today, to commemorate the sad news of the passing of former England Women's Player and Selector Patsy Lovell MBE.#RiseUp🌅🧡 pic.twitter.com/GBUtNIzE6j
— Sunrisers Cricket (@Sunriserscrick) May 8, 2024
Patricia Ann Patsy Lovell MBE (3 May 1954 – 27 April 2024) was a renowned English cricketer who excelled as an all-rounder. Her demise occurred less than a week before her 70th birthday.
As a right-arm off-break bowler and right-handed batter, Lovell made her mark in cricket, featuring in 10 One Day Internationals (ODIs) for England. Her debut match against Australia at Canterbury in July 1987 saw her contribute significantly to England’s victory by six wickets. Throughout her ODI career, she claimed eight wickets, with a best figure of three wickets against 15 runs, and scored a total of 41 runs.
Lovell represented Surrey in domestic cricket, where she earned the distinction of being their most-capped player. Her domestic records included five first-class appearances and an impressive 94 outings in List A matches, highlighted by a top score of 177 and 110 wickets taken at an average of 16.
Even after retiring from competing professionally, Lovell continued to make invaluable contributions to the sport, serving as the senior selector for the England team. Her dedicated service to cricket earned her the prestigious honor of being appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2006 Birthday Honours.
In recognition of her illustrious cricketing career and significant contributions to Surrey County Cricket Club (SCCC), Lovell was bestowed with a gold-embroidered Surrey cap in a special presentation ceremony in 2022. Furthermore, her unwavering commitment to cricket in her native county was honored with honorary life membership of Surrey CCC in the subsequent year, a testimony to her enduring legacy in the sport.
Sue Robinson, her life partner, encapsulates the essence of Patsy’s profound devotion to cricket with an eloquence that resonates deeply. In her reflection, Robinson illuminates how Patsy’s passion for the sport transcended mere admiration, becoming an integral part of her identity.
Robinson’s words evoke a sense of reverence for Patsy’s unwavering dedication, suggesting that the honor bestowed upon her was not just a commendation, but a pinnacle of achievement. By likening this moment to surpassing even the prestigious MBE, Robinson highlights the magnitude of Patsy’s accomplishment, portraying it as a crowning achievement in a lifetime dedicated to cricket. Through her insightful commentary, Robinson immortalizes Patsy’s legacy, immortalizing her as a figure whose commitment and love for the game were truly unparalleled.
Robinson mentioned, “One of the proudest moments of her (Patsy) life, probably even eclipsing the MBE. She lived and breathed cricket and it meant a huge amount to her to have her commitment recognized.”