The following are the 5 oldest players to debut for their national team in ODI format, proving age is just a number for few.
1. Kay Green (45 yrs, 292 days)
England’s Kay Green made her national ODI debut when she was 45 years and 292 days olds making her to date the oldest female, to play international cricket. Green has a short-lived cricket career, she only managed to play 3 Matches, 2 ODIs, and 1 Test. She made her debut against New Zealand in 1973 and achieved this historic record.
2. Ethna Rouse (43 years, 173days)
Ethna Rouse made her national ODI debut when she was 43 years 173 days old. The Kiwi left-handed batsman made her debut against International XI Women against New Zealand Women on Jun 30, 1973. Rouse played a total of 4 matches, 3 ODI’s and 1 Test scoring 126 runs in total. Rouse was not only an important figure in cricket she was also awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for her remarkable community service.
3. Liz Smith (41 years, 164 days)
Scottish Liz Smith made her national ODI debut when she was 41 years 164days old. Smith remains the oldest Scottish player, male or female, to debut in an ODI. Smith played club cricket for many years but was not given an opportunity to play at a higher level until 2000. On August 10 2001 she made her debut against England Women’s Team.
EJ “Liz” Smith now works as a Scottish politician and is a Member of the Scottish Parliament currently. In April 2014, following the reconstitution of the organization, she was elected the first president of the Scottish Women’s Cricket Association. She still has a great passion for the sport of cricket and still promotes and is involved in the game, to this date.
4. Susan Redhead (40years 274days)
Susan Redhead is a former West Indies woman cricketer. Susan made her ODI debut at 40years 274days. She made her debut v Sri Lanka Women on Mar 16, 2003. Susan has played for West Indies in 3 Women’s ODIs. She also played for Grenada women’s cricket team after retiring from the West Indian Cricket Team.
5. Ann McKenna (40 years 241 days)
Ann McKenna is a former New Zealand cricketer who made her debut at age 40 years and 241 days old against England Women on Jun 24, 1984. Ann played 14 ODI matches scoring 214 runs.
Her father was on the board of NZ Cricket, which is what got her to develop a passion for the game. Ann was not only a cricket player she was also a field hockey player before cricket, Ann first represented New Zealand at hockey in 1967.
These female cricketers show us that age is just a number. If you have the skills your age makes no difference in any walk of life.
Stats as on 9th June 2020
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