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Home , Alex Blackwell, Alison Mitchell, Amy Jones (cricketer), Anya Shrubsole, Charlotte Edwards, Clare Connor

THE ISSUE

Iron maidens We take you behind the boundaries of women’s cricket THE WOMEN’S CRICKET ISSUE

What we found out this issue... 4 FRONT ROW 18 EVENT COVERAGE: Volunteer abroad as a cricket coach, And so it begins; can make it learn to play cricket, cricket and parties, three in a row or can the Aussies spoil and the best women’s cricket bloggers the party. Watch every ball live, too! 6 PICTURE GALLERY 22 ASHES TRAVEL: CANTERBURY Stunning cricket imagery featuring a The sole four-day Test takes place in the diving wicketkeeper (eyes right), and home of England’s oldest cathedral so we give some coaching tips 06 we take you to the best spots in the area 10 A CHAT WITH HEATHER KNIGHT 10 30 ‘THE WORST COVERAGE EVER’ Living out of a suitcase is all in a day’s Sports broadcaster Geoff Lemon is work for England’s nomadic vice flabbergasted at the treatment of who loves nothing more than exploring women in cricket and tells it like it is 12 A CHAT WITH 32 5,000 RUNS? YEAH, WHATEVS England’s wicketkeeper enjoys the chit Newspapers failing to acknowledge chat involved in the media circus and ’s groundbreaking has been inspired by the Lionesses achievement sucks, says Sarah Juggins 14 A CHAT WITH 34 HOW TO BE A CRICKET WRITER Good luck trying your mind games on The aptly named Legside Lizzy guides Anya, Aussies, she’s got a pyschology you through the dos and don’ts of When searching for ‘women’s Wildlife doesn’t much degree to fend you off with becoming a cricket writer

cricket’ in photo libraries, this care if you’re in the 16 ENGLISH AND AUSSIE TWITS 37 QUOTES OF THE MONTH Join the Ashes squads as they take us The best, worst, funniest, humbling, is the sort of image you’ll find. middle of a match. behind the scenes with them via their surprising and moving quotes in the voracious social media activity 32 world of women’s cricket

FROM THE EDITOR

Espresso yourself What’s with the love of , Aussies? I’ve been trawling through Editor tweets from the England and Aussie Ashes squads to find the most Jo Gunston amusing and insightful comments from behind the scenes, and the [email protected] green and golds have just been banging on about finding a decent @jogunston Designer coffee every three minutes. Like, seriously. Just about every squad Jason Keens member on landing in the UK, before even picking up their bags from Writers the carousel, got on Twitter to say how they couldn’t find a decent Elizabeth Ammon coffee. Apparently it’s a thing. It’s a thing that you can’t find good Sarah Juggins coffee in England. When did this happen? Don’t we all have baristas Geoff Lemon worldwide these days? Why are ours so different? I am extremely perplexed and yes, I’d go so far as to say vexed about this dissing @sportsliberated www.sportsliberated.com ... it’s pretty much of our beans. Don’t drink the stuff myself but still... Meanwhile, back to the matter in hand, we bring you our women’s Front cover image cricket issue, focusing on the coff... sorry, cricket head-to-head ‘’ by inevitable you’ll be between the two old foes. With the men’s Ashes sitting at 1-1 apiece Paulette Farrel. See p36 for full details making a dash for the and the sorry England boys getting whupped at the, gulp, Home of Cricket, no less, it’s up to our ladies to bring back the feel-good factor Nothing in the magazine can be reproduced in whole or to England cricket. No pressure there then. in part without the written permission If you play cricket in the UK... cover of the clubhouse. We also bring you the good, the bad and the ugly of women’s of the publisher, Jo Gunston. Although Sports Liberated has endeavoured to cricket from around the world and only a few more mentions of this ensure that all information in the magazine is correct, prices and details www.sportsliberated.com coffee business... may be subject to change.

02 @sportsliberated www.sportsliberated.com 03 FRONT ROW FRONT ROW

VOLUNTEER Coach cricket to those who need you Best cricket social media These faces are not the faces of These fanatics cover the sport all year round via blogs, tweets and websites from the former solicitor kids who face extreme hardship turned cricket writer to the broadcaster who counts neurons when not watching the game... living in a township in South Africa. For a split second, sport WEBSITES/BLOGS 1997. Supporting women’s CHARLES DAGNALL has brought them relief and joy cricket for 18 years.’ Twitter @charlesdagnall from their day-to-day struggles. WWW.CRICKETHER.COM Who’s doing it Don Miles Twitter bio ‘Cricket You can be one of those who Strapline ‘Same bat, different ball is the web master of Commentator for BBC Test Match bring a feel-good factor to kids game.’ www.womenscricket.net and is Special. Ex Warks & Leics CCC. around the world and in your What is it Women’s cricket news also the Chairman of Sussex NFL blogger. These are my views home country by volunteering and views. Women’s Cricket Association. only. MC, auctioneer & speaker.’ as a cricket coach. There are Who’s doing it Raf Nicholson – Twitter @donmiles13 many volunteering companies what Raf doesn’t know about Twitter bio ‘Sports but this pic is from a camp by cricket, isn’t worth knowing. She Photographer, Chairman Sussex Twitter @isaguha www.sportingopportunities.com. writes for Wisden, ESPN Cricinfo, Women’s Cricket Association.’ Twitter bio ‘Former Eng cricketer, The Cricketer, All Out Cricket 2009 was special. Presenter/ and runs this, her own website WWW.WOMENS-CRICKET. Commentator. Currently at the entirely dedicated to women’s BLOGSPOT Premier League. cricket. Strapline ‘A view from the Freelancer, music lover, I Twitter @rafnicholson ’s edge of the sometimes count neurons.’ Twitter bio ‘Women’s cricket women’s game’ journalist and historian, and What is it ‘A blog about KEV WRIGHT general cricket-obsessive. Editor Women’s Cricket at all levels, Twitter @kevwright11 of @CRICKETher. Cordonista for ODI, T20, international, regional Twitter bio ‘Mentor and charity @espncricinfo.’ and club - womens cricket.’ worker often found wandering Who’s doing it Martin Davies, the boundary watching Women’s HTTPS://GEORGIACRICKET. office worker turned writer. cricket.’ WORDPRESS.COM Twitter @womenscricblog Strapline ‘Cricket badger and Twitter bio ‘Martin Davies - was ALISON MITCHELL proud of it!’ a solicitor & web entrepreneur; Twitter @alisonmitchell What is it The namesake of this always a cricketer; now cricket Twitter bio ‘Award winning PHOTOGRAPHER: CORAL HANDLEY website, Georgia Isaac is a firm writer and broadcaster on the sports journalist. Freelance believer that women’s sport women’s game.’ cricket commentator, deserves much more media commentator, presenter, speaker coverage which is one of the TWEETERS & event host.’ reasons she began this women- focused cricket blog. SYD EGAN EBONY RAINFORD-BRENT Who’s doing it Georgia Isaac Twitter @fairgroundtown Twitter @ejrainfordbrent who also writes for CricketHER Twitter bio ‘@CRICKETher hack; Twitter bio ‘Director of Surrey Twitter @georgia_cricket author of The Ghost of Mandy Women’s Cricket, @bbctms Twitter bio ‘Love all forms of Rosental; computer Pundit, World Cup Winner, BEGINNERS FESTIVAL cricket but particularly Test programmer; official supplier Peak Performance Speaker, cricket and women’s cricket! of baseball analogies to Wannabe Adventurer & Golfer!, I want to play! Cricket and party Cricket badger, England & @daisychristo. Views... the cat’s!’ Management @_Missionsports.’ supporter!’ Disability cricket in the UK Throughout the year in the UK there are a number Note from SL: Should you RUTH CRONCHIE British Association for Cricketers with Disabilities of cricket festivals solely focused on girls and accidentally put Twitter @uk_crunch Twitter @connorcricket www.bacd.co.uk women participants. The ECB hold festivals @georgiacrickets you’ll go Twitter bio ’Auditor when not Twitter bio ‘Ex-Eng captain, now throughout the summer but there are also individual slightly off piste... ‘Located near traveling or watching cricket Director of Women’s Cricket. Where to play in events around the country. For example, Cricket Atlanta, GA, our facility ships a home and abroad - normally Member of @kilimadness to Playcricket Week in Colwall, Herefordshire provides adult full line of: , roaches, England Women and Kilimanjaro in 2014 - world www.playcricket.com/au women of all abilities the opportunity to play cricket worms, butterworms, giant Wokingham Ridgeway.” record highest cricket match. and develop their skills in a friendly and fun mealworms, wax worms, and Ready for next adventure!’ Where to play in UK? environment, with teams composed randomly from other specialty feeders.’ AMY LOFTHOUSE English and Cricket Board players’ application forms. Matches are then played Twitter @amy_cricket LIZZY AMMON www.ecb.co.uk throughout the week. Events are laid on most WWW.WOMENSCRICKET.NET Twitter bio ‘Freelance cricket Twitter @legsidelizzy evenings and players arrive from all the Strapline ‘Women’s cricket on scribbler for @bbcsport and Twitter bio ‘Cricket broadcaster. Indoor cricket country and from abroad and are of widely varying the web.’ @guardian_sport among others. Cricket writer. hockey player. Have World Indoor Cricket Federation standards. For further information go to What is it ‘The first women’s I like Oasis, Jon Snow and the unhealthy obsessions with Juan http://www.worldindoorcricketfederation.com https://cricketweek.wordpress.com. cricket site. On the ‘net since Blackcaps.’ Roman Riquelme,shoes and tea.’

04 @sportsliberated www.sportsliberated.com 05 GALLERY GALLERY

HOWZAT!

Really? Did you really need to do a Hollywood dive there oh wicketkeeper? Most of us remember PIC CREDIT: LIZDUNCALF.CO.UK cowering from the rock hard ball when we tentatively got involved in the game as youngsters at school but, hell, give us those massive mitts to wear and we’d be able to stop an exocet missile. Probably.

06 www.sportsliberated.com @sportsliberated 07 GALLERY GALLERY

SMASHED IT

Now correct us if we’re wrong but would it help to actually look at the ball while trying to catch it? Just a small thing, we don’t know all the ins PIC CREDIT: LIZDUNCALF.CO.UK and outs of cricket an’ all but suspect that’s a basic requirement. And you young batter, should you not be dashing across making some runs rather than marvelling at your shot? We’ll leave our coaching tips there.

08 www.sportsliberated.com @sportsliberated 09 THE ASHES INTERVIEW HEATHER KNIGHT The nomad Living out of a suitcase is all in a day’s work for England vice captain Heather Knight who also plies her trade Down Under but as long as she gets to see @heatherknight55 a bit of the surrounding area and culture she’s a happy bunny

Do you enjoy all this media stuff? that would be huge. It’s great that about giving up on sport when they Yeah, you’ve got to enjoy it, we can go into schools now and reach that tricky teen stage? embrace it and have a bit of fun. tell girls that you can make a living It’s about finding a sport that you Dishing the dirt: Heather on her England team-mates out of being a cricketer. We’re absolutely love playing. Enjoyment Such as you and on amazingly lucky to play cricket at for me is key and having a group of Who’s the best dancer? What tunes get played in the dressing room or in comedy quiz A League of Their Own… the right time. There’s many people mates that you can play a sport with Natalie Sciver. the car on the way to matches? Yeah. Myself and Lydia were who played before us who played and develop together as mates. The worst dancer? For each tour we have a team CD so everyone picks a involved in a funny game called for not much reward. First and couple of songs for the CD and they get put on a play ‘Slippery Corden’, nicking slip foremost it’s our hobby and our Your Twitter bio describes you as a , without a doubt. catches for a few of the hosts whilst passion and we’d still be playing if ‘nomad’. Tell us where you’ve been list so you generally get a mix of music – they were stood on a slimy surface. we weren’t paid but it’s amazing in the past year? The biggest practical joker? likes her old school Motown music, which always gets It was great fun. that we are and there’s a I’m from Plymouth originally so I’ve Ooh, er, probably Lydia Greenway. She’s a master a groan in the dressing room. A few of the younger girls responsibility on us to keep been down there a few times to visit at jumping out at people and surprising them. Once like more dancey things so yes it’s a bit of a mix but Media attention for the men can be improving as players. my parents, I live in and I’ve I was carrying a mug of hot tea which went everywhere there’s always a bit of music on – it’s never a quiet place too intrusive, the women’s game spent the winter in Australia, New and she also got it on film which she proceeded to our dressing room. gets too little, do you think there’s Next year’s inaugural Women’s Zealand and all over the place really. watch a couple of times a week. It is a funny video. a happy medium? Cricket Super League will be I spend most of my time living out Yes, she is a big practical joker. What are your two songs for this Ashes series? I don’t envy the men sometimes, the first time there’ll be prize of a suitcase. I think I picked Mumford & Sons, one of their new songs the spotlight they’re under and the money in domestic women’s Who makes the most mess in the changing room? I think it’s The Wolf. I can’t remember the other one. pressure that sometimes comes ... Do you like it? Is that your style Probably Charlotte Edwards again – her room’s a with the job, it’s part of it but I’m Yeah, it’s amazing. I think it needed or would you prefer a bit more of nightmare, her stuff seems to get everywhere. Is there anyone in your team who’s always late happy with women’s cricket to happen in this country. There’s a base? for everything? coverage at the moment. no secret that Australia’s domestic There’s down sides to it but I don’t Who’s the best at Karaoke and their preferred song? Ooh, not really, everyone’s quite prompt. The only one game is, or was, slightly ahead of think I’d change it. I love travelling Best at karaoke? I can’t say Charlotte again. I’d have Do you think the women’s game ours, so having been over there this and exploring new places and I who leaves it quite fine is – she will ever get that same level of winter to play for Tasmania, the think it’s really important because to go with – she’s got a lovely voice. I’m probably lives the closest to Loughborough for training attention? standard is slightly higher so the sometimes we only go to places and not sure what her preferred song is, I think she does and she always seems to be the last one arriving. She I’d like to think it has the potential to Super League is fantastic and it’s we only see cricket grounds and a bit of everything, maybe a bit of hip hop. can’t tell the time at 30, bless her. go there but I guess that would be only going to help push the game hotels and airports but having been the downside to our own success. forward in this country and bridging in the squad for a few years now I Who’s the biggest social media Queen? Who’s the keenest and always arrives early? I just want to play good cricket and that gap between county and think it’s really important that we go Lauren Winfield. She loves her promotional tweet Good question, that’ll probably be Laura Marsh. hopefully people will come and international cricket. and find out a bit more about the does Lauren. She likes being early. watch, and support us in the media, places where we’re going. I’m in my and if that gets more girls playing What would you say to a 13 or element when I’m exploring a new Every ball of the Women’s Ashes will be live on . the game and grows the sport then 14-year-old girl who’s thinking place and meeting new people.

10 @sportsliberated www.sportsliberated.com 11 THE ASHES INTERVIEW SARAH TAYLOR The media junkie Minutes after appearing on Sky News the exuberant Sarah Taylor chatted to Sports Liberated about aiming to emulate the Lionesses’ success in the upcoming @sarah_taylor30 Women’s Ashes series and tells us she would rather chat than play cricket...

Do you like all this media stuff? nice. That would be more than sharing of successful formats is I love it! This is more exciting than helpful. important? cricket. I’d rather have a chat than I think we have to work together Dishing the dirt: Sarah on her England team-mates do the cricket. It just gives fans a real feel-good as a nation under that bracket of factor if you do well, not that we women’s sport and try and push the Who’s the best dancer? Who’s the best at Karaoke and what’s their Do you think there’s a happy want to put any pressure on you... game as far as it can go. I think the . I don’t think I can reveal her style of dance, preferred song? medium to media coverage? Honestly, there’s no pressure, it’s Super League is one of the best she’s very good with her hips, let’s put it that way. Charlotte Edwards sings Total Eclipse of the Heart The men may argue it can be too excitement. You sound like you’ve things that can happen for us. We’re by Bonnie Tyler. intrusive whereas the women’s got it so you can imagine what we’re always trying to raise that standard The worst dancer? game is trying to get more... feeling like! We just want to make and it worked in other sports and Charlotte Edwards. Who’s the biggest social media Queen? I think the women’s game is in a the country proud and to promote I see no reason why we can’t give Kate Crosse. brilliant place in terms of the media. the game as much as possible and it a go. It’s a bit of an unknown but The biggest practical joker? When I first started there wasn’t to inspire the youth like we were I think it’ll be brilliant next year. Me. Sports Liberated: Somehow that doesn’t surprise What tunes get played in the dressing room or in the that much attention regardless of inspired when we were younger. us. Is that how I come across on the phone? SL: Yes. car on the way to matches? whether it was our personal lives or We’re so proud of how every other In this social media age, would you Who makes the most mess in the changing room? Timber was the big one for the team last year and Becky the cricket, so we’ll obviously take sport has done recently and we say it’s still the holy grail of media Charlotte Edwards. G’s Shower. For me, currently, Shine by Years and Years, as much publicity and as much want to do well, the same as them. coverage to be on the back page and Try Me by Jason Derulo. media as we can get to promote the of newspapers? game but, like you say, there is that And Sky Sports will be showing I think so. Any media is good for Is there anyone in your team who’s always late? intrusiveness for the men but we’re every ball live for the first time. us. You do have that social media Katherine Brunt. Always. Not necessarily late but if just happy we’ve got a good amount Yeah! When we heard we couldn’t interaction but we do want to get we’re meeting at half past she’ll be there at 29 minutes of coverage. believe it – and that includes the out there and reach as many Test match. We talk about pushing audiences as possible. There might past – she pushes the boundaries. With the Lionesses doing well, boundaries with our cricket but be some people who don’t have Who’s the keenest and always arrives early? England women’s rugby winning the pushing the boundaries on the social media and quite like reading Heather Knight’s up there, she’s a bit of a keen bean. World Cup last year, Heather Watson media front and always trying to newspapers and if that’s an Jenny Gunn likes to get there ridiculously early but nearly beating Serena Williams at be the first to put a marker out is audience we can reach too then Wimbledon and the Netball World exciting too. You sound more obviously that’s great but I don’t probably leaves the first. She doesn’t like waiting Cup later this year, does the camp excited than me! think we’re striving to be on that around, so if she was at home waiting to leave she feel you could be part of a great back page. I think any newspaper couldn’t do it, she’d just have to leave but she gets year for women’s sport? Possibly! In the summer of 2016, coverage is great for us but hey, if there early enough that she has to sit around so I don’t Yeah, we just want to jump on that the ECB will introduce a Women’s we make it on to a back page it really get that. bandwagon of all that success that Cricket Super League in a similar wouldn’t be too bad, we wouldn’t women have had in England and vein to the English netball and be complaining too much, as long Every ball of the Women’s Ashes will be live on Sky Sports. hopefully produce – that would be football leagues; do you think this as they’ve got my good side...

12 @sportsliberated www.sportsliberated.com 13 THE ASHES INTERVIEW ANYA SHRUBSOLE

The brain Anya Shrubsole’s psychology degree may be an extra weapon in helping her deal with the inevitable mind games against the Aussies during the Ashes but her @anya_shrubsole inspiration comes from the Lionesses winning the bronze medal at the World Cup

Media attention for the men can be wanting the coverage. It’s not so playing men’s cricket and we’re too intrusive, the women’s game much about getting recognition playing some warm up games at the gets too little, do you think there’s for ourselves. moment and they’re all against Dishing the dirt: Anya on her England team-mates a happy medium? boys teams so it’s always good to The media coverage we get these Would you agree that social media practise above maybe what you’re Who’s the best dancer? What tunes get played in the dressing room or in the days is brilliant, every ball of the has been huge for women’s sport? going to face. When it comes down I can’t say it too loudly because she’s right here but car on the way to matches? Ashes is going to be shown on Sky, Yeah, it’s been brilliant for us to be to playing we know we’re capable of probably Sarah Taylor. It changes. We have a different playlist every time. which hasn’t happened before. able to let people get to know us playing against boys who bowl it a This year’s is shaping up quite good but it’s mainly There’s three of us at Sky Studios aside from the cricket a little bit bit faster and hit it a bit harder so it Worst dancer? doing various media things so more. That’s a really important part definitely has massive benefits. Charlotte Edwards without a doubt. [SL: That’s the third modern stuff, whatever’s in the charts at the time really. I think the coverage we’re getting of gaining that support because if vote we’ve had for Charlotte]. Well she’s really bad. [SL: Does anyone fancy themselves as a bit of a DJ?]. is absolutely brilliant and hopefully the public know we’re good people There have been some fantastic It changes but I think Kate Crosse is in charge of the that will only continue. who are good at what we do and performances by England Who is the biggest practical joker? playlist this year so she obviously fancies herself a bit. enjoy what we’re doing, hopefully sportswomen recently. Does the Either Heather Knight or Sarah Taylor, probably. Can you see a day when the media that will help increase the coverage. Ashes squad feel you could be part Is there anyone in your team who’s always late becomes as intrusive for the women of a big year for women’s sport? Who makes the most mess in the changing room? for everything? as it can be for the men’s team? You did a degree in psychology. Do Definitely. It’s been coming for a I’m not sure. I keep saying Sarah but she’s quite messy. We’re really on time as a team, actually. If we’re given I don’t think anyone would look you use Dr Steve Peters’ The Chimp while since London 2012. There’s She’s got a lot of stuff to be fair to her. She’s the a time we’re normally all 15 minutes early. There’s no forward to that. If the only coverage Paradox theory, which was so been a real feel-good factor about wicketkeeper so she’s got all her kit and all her chance anyone’s late. we get is for our cricket and our lauded by many members of Team women’s sport and that’s continued wicketkeeping kit. Charlotte Edwards is quite messy as performances on the field, long may GB at London 2012? after the rugby girls won the World well to be fair. I’m picking on the same people here. Who’s the keenest and always arrives early? that continue. I have read the book. I think it’s one Cup, and the football girls doing well Everyone. Everyone always arrives early. It’s because of those things you need to read in their World Cup – hopefully we Who’s the best at Karaoke and what’s their we have a rule that if you’re late, the bus leaves Is it still the holy grail to get on the two or three times to get the idea. can continue that this summer. preferred song? back page of the newspapers or is I wouldn’t say it was massive for me without you so no one’s late. Ever. It’s never happened that not so important any more? but there’s definitely parts of that Does this add pressure or just Charlotte Edwards definitely gives it a go, whether yet I don’t think. We have some people who refuse I think getting recognition for what that I definitely recognise and see serve to inspire you more? she’s the best or not… she’s definitely the most willing. to be 15 minutes early , they’re like, ‘this is ridiculous, you do is important but the main how it’s come about. It inspires us. We’re supporters for Her preferred song is Total Eclipse of the Heart by I’m turning up on time’, but now everyone’s there thing about being in the newspapers any England team, any cricket team Bonnie Tyler. so much on time so that even if you’re five minutes is, hopefully, young girls, or anyone, Female cricketers have a huge and it’s the same for any other are able to see it as successful. training advantage in that you can sport. Lots of our girls watched the Who’s the biggest social media Queen? early you feel like you’re late. It’s good timekeeping, Hopefully then they take up the practise against men’s teams; women’s World Cup in particular. Danielle Wyatt. I think. sport because they’re going to be against faster bowlers than you’ll I think what they’ve done is really the England players in the future, face in the women’s game... inspirational so hopefully we can Every ball of the Women’s Ashes will be live on Sky Sports throughout the series. which for us is the main reason for Yeah, definitely. Most of us grew up continue that feel-good factor.

14 @sportsliberated www.sportsliberated.com 15 FEATURED EVENT THE ASHES The England and Aussie teams get social

16 @sportsliberated www.sportsliberated.com 17 FEATURED EVENT THE ASHES The Women’s Ashes Seven matches, two teams, bitter rivals, who’ll win, you decide. Well actually you won’t but you can certainly support your faves and follow the teams behind the scenes via social media. The Women’s Ashes has arrived. Bring. It. On.

THE TEAMS ENGLAND THE TEAMS AUSTRALIA

CHARLOTTE EDWARDS BECKY GRUNDY NATALIE SCIVER

Captain, Warwickshire Surrey Captain, Victoria Queensland Twitter @Lottie2323 Twitter @grundy_becky Twitter @natsciver Twitter @meglanning7 Twitter @sarahjanecoyte *T20 squad only Followers 38.5k Followers 1,580 Followers 2,787 Followers 33.4k Followers 3,079 Twitter @Delissak Bio England Women’s Bio Cricket playing, Bio Aspiring gospel choir Bio Australian and Bio Australian Southern Followers 874 cricket captain and Reggae Loving, dream singer, and all round Victorian female cricketer. Stars Bio I’m the girl who wears Chance to Shine chasing entertainer Love to cook and eat ZINC.. RAIN, HAIL or ambassador desserts SHINE

KATHERINE BRUNT JENNY GUNN ANYA SHRUBSOLE

Yorkshire Nottinghamshire Somerset Vice captain, ACT NSW/Somerset Twitter @KBrunt26 Twitter @GunnJenny Twitter @Anya_shrubsole New South Wales Twitter @Fezzy88Rene Twitter @eosborne67 Followers 8,600 Followers 7,654 Followers 4,847 Twitter @AlexBlackwell2 Followers 941 Followers 551 Bio England & Yorkshire Bio Keen footballer, Bio England women’s Followers 7,065 Bio Australian Womens Bio Exercise Physiology womens cricketer, angry Blackburn/Forest fan, still cricketer and proud Bio @SouthernStars @ Cricket team. Dog lover. Student. NSW Lend Lease fast bowler from Barnsley dreaming of performing portsmouth fan!!! CricNSWBreakers @ Massive Carlton Blues fan Breakers + Tigers & ex whale on the West End UniversitiesWCC cricketer cricketer

KATE CROSS SARAH TAYLOR KRISTEN BEAMS

Lancashire Warwickshire Sussex Victoria Queensland NSW Twitter @katecross16 Twitter @amyjones313 Twitter @Sarah_Taylor30 Twitter @DJbimmy Twitter @Holly_Ferling Instagram @ellyseperry Followers 5,746 Followers 1,524 Followers 30.9k Followers 323 Followers 6,040 Followers 21.4k Bio Cricketer. Northern Bio England, Walmley, Bio England & Sussex Bio Cricketer, self Bio Often described as Bio Cricket & Soccer Dual monkey Warwickshire, and Women’s Cricketer confessed nerd and tall, blonde, smiley and International for Oz Loughborough cricketer. coffee snob! wears a ribbon in her hair. Student, expert juggler

GEORGIA ELWISS HEATHER KNIGHT LAUREN WINFIELD

Sussex Vice captain, Berkshire Yorkshire Victoria (*Test & ODI) New South Wales South Australia Twitter @Gelwiss Twitter Twitter Twitter @Nicole_Bolton12 Twitter @ahealy77 Twitter @megan_schutt Followers 4,454 @Heatherknight55 @lozwinfield Followers 1,310 Followers 15.8k Followers 2,904 Bio 24. Loughborough Followers 7,856 Followers 4,763 Bio West Australian Bio Lover of the Bio Fluent in sarcasm. Uni. Nutrition Geek. Bio Berkshire Beaver, Bio England Cricketer, girl looking to give the sunshine... NSW & Chocolate is the way to Nothing Worth Having Tassie Roarer & food Yorkshire Captain coffee scene Australian Cricketer... my heart Ever Came Easy! fiend! a crack! Ice cream eater!

LYDIA GREENWAY LAURA MARSH JESS CAMERON

Kent Kent Victoria Queensland Victoria Twitter @lydiagreenway Twitter @lauramarsh7 Twitter @Jess_cameron27 Twitter @JJonassen21 Twitter @ElyseVillani Followers 4,476 Followers 11k Followers 4,226 Followers 3,508 Followers 5,139 Bio Chance to Shine Bio England and Kent Bio Love St Kilda football Bio Studying Law, Bio Proud gay athlete Ambassador, wannabe cricketer club and enjoy going to wannabe guitarist, for Oz @Southernstars beer connoisseur and a watch them play. Go love a good coffee! cricket team. Qualified full time technophobe. Saints!!! teacher

18 @sportsliberated www.sportsliberated.com 19 FEATURED EVENT THE ASHES

the ashes fixures

Date Format Venue Points for a Start time Live on Sky win/draw (BST) July 21 ODI The County Ground, Taunton 2 points/1 point 10:30 Sky Sports 2 All the drama on and July 23 ODI County Ground 2 points/1 point 10:30 Sky Sports 2 July 26 ODI New Road, Worcester 2 points/1 point 10:30 Sky Sports 2 off the track ahead Aug 11–14 Test The Spitfire Ground, Canterbury 4 points/2 points 11:00 Sky Sports 2 of the 2015 World Aug 26 T20I The Essex County Ground, Chelmsford 2 points/N/A 19:00 Sky Sports 2 Championships Aug 28 T20I BrightonandHoveJobs.com 2 points/N/A 20:00 Sky Sports 2 County Ground, Hove Aug 31 T20I SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff 2 points/N/A 10:30 Sky Sports 2

women’s ashes results history

Played Won by Australia Won by England Drawn All Series 20 7 6 7 Series in Australia 10 5 3 2 Series in England 10 2 3 5

upcoming international fixtures 2015 follow the ashes on social media Thursday August 21 (50 ovs) Facebook ECB 1st ODI– Australia Women v Women Website ECB Peter Burge Oval, Twitter @ECB_cricket 09:30 local time Hashtag #WomensAshes Thursday August 21 (50 ovs) 1st ODI – England Women v Women North Marine Road Ground, Scarborough 10:30 local time Saturday August 23 - Sunday August 24 (50 ovs) 2nd ODI – Australia Women v Pakistan Women Peter Burge Oval, Brisbane 09:30 local time Saturday August 23 (50 ovs) THE ATHLETICS 2nd ODI – England Women v India Women ISSUE North Marine Road Ground, Scarborough 10:30 local time Monday August 25 (50 ovs) 3rd ODI – England Women v India Women Lord’s, London 10:30 local time

For more fixtures go to www.espncricinfo.com THE COOLEST WOMEN IN SPORT ON THE PLANET 20 @sportsliberated TRAVEL CANTERBURY TALES

Take a breather from the intensity of the Ashes series by taking a trip into town and bob about, punting on the river Stour in this just, quite frankly, ridiculously quintessential English town. Absorb the historical vibes, chow down on a cream tea and generally just loll about on the river, Wind in the Willows stylee.

The city that houses arguably the oldest cathedral in England also plays host to the sole Test in the 2015 Women’s Ashes. We give you a heads up on the ground and three things to do away from the venue should you be making the trip to the South East

WOMEN’S ASHES TEST VENUE GUIDE

What is it Four-day Test Just outside the ground is a Sainsbury’s supermarket. Dates Tues Aug 11- Fri Aug 14 2015 Where to eat and drink: outside the ground (in Canterbury) Venue The picturesque Spitfire , Café des Amis on St Dunstans Street comes highly Canterbury, East Anglia, UK recommended serving Mexican and Mediterranean food. Ground capacity 15,000 – you’ll be pleased to know there Café Mauresque on Butchery Lane serves very nice are covered areas, as well as open seating, just in case Moroccan cuisine. The Dolphin pub and restaurant on St there’s one of those rare English summer showers... Radigans Street is a favourite with locals for both food, drink About the ground The Spitfire Ground underwent a and a nice atmosphere. £9 million redevelopment to create the best facilities. Where to stay in Canterbury Kent Cricket’s official Unusual fact One famous facet of the ground is the accommodation partner is Kent Hospitality, part of the prominent lime tree, which is situated on the field of play. University of Kent, who can provide very reasonably priced The ground was built around the tree and, as such, special bed and breakfast options starting at just £40 a night. Go to local rules were introduced – shots blocked by the tree were www.kentbandb and if you enter KENTCRICKET into the counted as a four. To this day, only four cricketers have promotional box you can get 10% off. cleared the tree to score a six. Tickets Advance tickets for the Test are available via the PHOTOGRAPHY: PADMAYOGINI Where to eat and drink: at the ground The Lime Tree Café Kent Club website at www.kentcricket.co.uk. situated at the players dressing room end of the ground has Prices are from £10 ground entry (pre-paid, £15 on the gate), a wide range of snacks, drinks and is a good place for lunch. and juniors (aged 5-15 years) can get in for £1. Fancy something more substantial? Have a traditional roast Parking Parking is available in the nearby Simon Langton Parts of Canterbury Cathedral date back to Blow the cobwebs away with a trip to the seaside, Whitstable to lunch from the Carvery in the Cowrey Conference centre on Girls School on the Old Dover Road. the 6th , the era, as you’ll recall, that be precise, a mere eight miles (13km, Aussies) with its Toytown- the first floor. There’s also a bar in the stand on Public Transport Canterbury East station is one mile away gave us backgammon... colourful beach huts and munch on some fish and chips. the Nackington Road end of the ground. Fancy a picnic? from the ground.

22 @sportsliberated www.sportsliberated.com 23 CHARITY

WATCH NEXT GENERATION

Cricket’s turn at the Rounders used to be a go-to sport at school but the bold decision to ditch the old fave and turn to cricket instead appears to be having a dramatic effect, writes Sarah Juggins

The Stephen Perse Foundation is a “It’s like everyone says girls can’t do private girls school that for decades cricket – that they’re no good at boy’s had been a rounders stronghold in sport – but we are doing it and we’re Cambridgeshire and throughout the really good. We keep winning and it East. So when it announced it was has made the boys realise we can be as introducing cricket onto the curriculum good as them.” as major sport, at the expense of The vision of the Chance to Shine rounders, there were some raised campaign has spread rapidly and eyebrows among parents and staff. But teachers across the age range are ‘I’m glad my daughter has a chance to play’ the decision is based on a fast-growing grasping the fact that cricket is a sport realisation – cricket for girls is cool. that both girls and boys can get equal “The decision was not taken lightly, benefit, enjoyment and success from. said head of department at the school Stuart Hunt is PE co-ordinator at Charlotte Wells, “In fact we had to Stanton School in Milton Keynes. He have parents consultations and plenty explains why the sport has become so of staff meetings to discuss the ‘pros popular: and cons’ before we went down that “The beauty of teaching cricket is road. But we had entered a number of that so many skills are transferable local events and the students did well and you can use lots of small games in them, it seemed sensible to tap into – French cricket, circle cricket, non- the enthusiasm and the talent we had stop cricket – to develop skills. This for cricket. We’ve introduced cricket means every child spends a lot of time as a major sport now as more girls are actually ‘doing’ the skill. The outmoded getting involved. “This is not a sport that should be solely for the boys to idea of the kids with less ability being “We have introduced it to all age enjoy, as the England women cricketers have proved” stuck out on the boundary is just so groups from year 3 to year 11 in out-of-date. Everything is geared curriculum time and have fixtures from towards inclusivity.” year 5 up. This is not a sport that With schools, clubs and, importantly, The 14-year-old Kiwi with incredible potential should be solely for the boys to enjoy, 14-15 year-olds had risen by 12.9 per England women cricket stars the children, on board, it seems as the England Women cricketers have cent and 104,800 students in that age Charlotte Edwards, Chance to Shine is scoring with proved.” group now play it regularly – meaning and are among the players everyone. The last word goes to they play once a week or more. Chance who support Chance to Shine. The England captain Charlotte Edwards: STATE OF PLAY to Shine has brought cricket to more players travel the country coaching “To know they can have a career in Cricket has been the summer sport of than 6,000 state schools and one million girls and offering inspiration for cricket is hopefully going to attract a choice for boys in private schools for girls have been part of the programme. talented young players to follow in lot of girls to the sport. Combined with centuries but until recently it has not their footsteps. “As coaches we take the success the England team’s having enjoyed much success in state schools, JOINING UP real pride in inspiring youngsters to and the exposure of the women’s and girls really did not get a look in. Strong links between clubs and play our sport,” said Edwards. “As a game to the whole world, the future That is until the charity, Chance to schools is at the heart of the Chance kid I would have loved one of the certainly looks bright. As players Shine, arrived on the scene. Now in its to Shine project, and as a result, England players to come to my school.” we’re certainly excited about the next 10th year, Chance to Shine is ensuring thousands of children are enjoying the Zoey Cape is one such young player. few years.” that all pupils get a chance to take benefits of joining a club for the first The 15-year-old from Minehead in part in the game. time after experiencing cricket at their Somerset was spotted on the Chance The Chance to Shine campaign was school. Creating this pathway from to Shine programme in 2012 and was Chance to Shine introduced in 2005 by the Cricket schools to clubs is fundamental to invited to join Minehead Cricket Club. For more info on the UK charity using the Foundation and its impact has been sustaining the project. Last year alone, Two years later she is playing for power of cricket in communities and startling. In the last Sport England 15,000 young people joined a club, Somerset and has ambitions to play schools go to www.chancetoshine.org Three-year-old Aussie shows how it’s done Active People survey, cricket among including 5,000 girls. for England.

24 @sportsliberated www.sportsliberated.com 25 SPORTS LIBERATED SHOWS UP TO... WORLD CUP TRIATHLON SNAPSHOT A summer’s day at the cricket (storm included) Head out to walk your dog on a summer’s day to your local cricket ground and you may not only come across the quintessential English scene but also international players just milling out about chatting to the picnicking spectators on the boundary PHOTOGRAPHY: JO GUNSTON

26 @sportsliberated www.sportsliberated.com 27 OVER TO YOU The Twitterati

28 www.sportsliberated.com @sportsliberated 29 COMMENT

Just not cricket Cricket should stop treating women as second-class citizens, fumes writer and broadcaster Geoff Lemon, and that includes players, presenters, commentators and administrators alike

It has to be the most physically cope with playing Point out things like this and embarrassing cricket footage cricket, and claim credit for there is always someone who

I’ve ever seen. Worse than those Perry’s career after “I let her get will call you humourless, but you PHOTOGRAPHY: REDBULL CONTENT POOL compilations of Inzamam-ul-Haq me out” in an exhibition game. need a sense of humour to truly run-outs. Worse than Steve It’s a tour de force. But the appreciate the woeful. In writing Harmison to second slip champagne-fountain this article, I could only or Darryl Tuffey’s 14-ball over. centrepiece of this glittering conclude that cricket has deeper You can watch it again and shit-show comes with a segue- problems with women than again, squirming more each free transition. Lanning is tone-deaf interviews, even time yet strangely compelled vice-captain of a national side interviews that array those to click replay, the only time at 21 while Perry represents problems in perfect microcosm. Australian TV’s Channel Nine’s Australia in two international Women in the game don’t need lunchtime filler has approached sports. So, logically, the this pointed out, but those of us the genius of The Office. producers cut to footage of who outnumber them might stir One of Australia’s most high profile sport stars Ellyse Perry dealt with the commentary debacle with poise; one day, hopefully, she won’t have to It’s the Boxing Day Ashes Test both women doing modelling our natural curiosity about in 2013. Michael Slater – the shoots. The host has been things we haven’t had to notice. accidental David Brent – is prepped: he gives what passes broadcast. Mitchell was “After you have successfully women in sport have nothing to presenting with Michael in Slatish for an introduction, ------excellent. The world, entirely campaigned for male presenters offer, that their presence can Vaughan. Their guests are then as the camera lingers unended, spun on its way. The of Womans’ Hour then you can only be a token gesture, that Australian players Meg Lanning uncomfortably on images of In late 2014, Roar Radio ran a year was 2015. Mitchell is rare start campaigning for female there’s no value in the full range and Ellyse Perry. Women’s Perry in a bikini, so does he. commentary stream of Australia’s not because women can’t do presenters of Blokes’ Hour.” of voices. cricket is getting six minutes of “Ellyse is just… it’s just taking UAE tour against Pakistan. During the job, but because they’re Weighed with its boots on, airtime amid five men’s Tests. full flight with these shots. the second Test our rotation overwhelmingly discouraged “Other sports have tried the this is a bitter conclusion: that In those six minutes Vaughan’s What’s going on there, you are… brought Cat Jones, cricket coach from thinking they ever could. ‘female’ presenter who stand half our citizens have no place you are looking fantastic! Do and columnist, on air with former For decades commentary has there spouting irrelevant discussing the teams that ‘It’s safe to assume Ellyse you enjoy doing that?” ABC sport presenter Katie Bailey. been an all-male affair. Tanya nonsense for no good reason.” represent them. doesn’t enjoy a dude twice her Safe to assume she doesn’t The pairing was as random as Aldred’s 2013 Telegraph profile The outrage is really over a while a dude twice her age is any, but messages started on Mitchell makes for wonderful “Too much talk about the cricket threatened sense of familiarity. age sitting next to her, frothing sitting next to her, frothing at coming in: this was the first time, entertainment, its comment and it was not easy relaxed On professional grounds at the corners of his mouth the corners of his mouth like said listeners, they had heard two section brimming with listening.” Mitchell is quality: no one gains like the creepiest of uncles’ the creepiest of uncles. women calling men’s cricket. If expostulation (fully sic): by promoting the unsuited. “It’s much better wearing a set there were a precedent none of Several tested the rhetorical Which doesn’t mean other contribution consists of four of cricket whites on the field,” us could recall one. But rather “LEAVE TMS ALONE. Its one of flourish that supporting female broadcasters won’t questions about the men’s series says Perry pointedly. Freshly- than the triumph of a pioneering the final bastions of women’s advances in hostile disappoint, dullness not being and 35 seconds narrating sharpened-pencil pointedly. moment, it felt mildly broadcasting i can actually industries is itself sexist – “ah chromosome- dependent. footage of himself on a British “Don’t be embarrassed,” replies embarrassing that the stand, the LAST thing it needs is ha!” you can see them shouting, The issue is that women dance show. Slater manages to Slater with a time-honoured combination should be notable. to be infected by political brandishing a quill at the entering male fields are held This article is praise the women for being deflection, as though Just like switching on ABC correctness.” keyboard. to represent their gender: a an extract of attractive, admit he doesn’t embarrassment is an innate radio deep into the World Cup Online comments often come woman being rubbish means a longer essay know who won their last series, personal phenomenon and and listening to Alison Mitchell “A woman in the commentary from the least reasonable that women can’t commentate, that originally make cat-fight noises to portray not the result of unwelcome – the first woman I’d heard box would change the readers, but these still reflect a bloke being rubbish means appeared in The them sledging, asks how they attention. calling ball-by-ball on a major wonderful dynamic of repartée.” pervasive attitudes – that he can’t. Nightwatchman

30 www.sportsliberated.com @sportsliberated 31 FEATURE INDIA

First class maiden If newspapers fail to acknowledge the likes of Indian cricket’s Mithali Raj’s ground breaking achievements, how are young girls going to be inspired to follow in their hero’s footsteps, argues Sarah Juggins

A cricketing hero in India has barely been a flicker of interest. the women of India that in just celebrated scoring 5,000 However, there are indications Maharashtra in 1935, a women’s international runs and sits at the tide may be turning. The team beat a men’s team much number two on the all-time national governing body, the to the delight of that team’s scorers list. Board of Control for Cricket in local league rivals. However, for Mithali Raj, the India (BCCI) has taken the After India gained celebrations were low-key and unheard of step of independence in the 1940s, she certainly didn’t fill the back recommending that long-time information about the women’s pages of the newspapers as one female international players game is lacking, but recently of her male compatriots – Virat should receive a one-off there has been renewed interest Kohli or Mahrenda Dhoni – payment of Rs10 lacs (£1,000), in the women’s game. would have done. payable to players who have Most recently, the Indian Mithali Raj has been a represented the country for a women’s team played England mainstay of the India women’s decade or more. Those who in a one-off Test match. India cricket team for more than a have played for five years or won, even as India men were decade and only Charlotte more will receive Rs 5 lacs; such being thrashed by Alastair Edwards, the captain of payments are a first in the Cook’s England team. Such England, has scored more runs. history of Indian cricket. Until results can only serve to inspire Raj was the driving force recently, women players the countless regions in the behind India’s first ever win in a received 1 lac (£10) for an entire huge country where the World Cup when India beat the tour. women’s game is flourishing in 2013 and was on with leagues, divisions, cup form again when India beat When Mithali Raj hit competitions and club tours. England in a one-off Test match. Charities such as Room to In the UK, Edwards and her the magical 5,000 run Read have linked up with cricket fellow internationals are mark hardly any as a means of encouraging enjoying unprecedented media sports newspaper education. But for a young girl coverage and it is rapidly who dreams of a career as a dawning on the population, mentioned it cricketer, what message is being male and female, that women’s given when there is so little cricket is high quality, Women have been playing support, even for one of the entertaining, professional sport, competitive best players in the world? in India that recognition remains since the end of the 19th Cricket for women in India is far from the case. century, and in the 1920s, on an upswing, but for young When Raj hit the magical cricket, along with football, was girls who are looking for a sport 5,000 run mark hardly any even advocated as a means to to throw their talent and energy sports newspaper mentioned it, better health, so Indian women into, failing to recognise a great there was virtually no mention have historically played the achievement is failing to on the nation’s television shows game, as much as the likes of promote the sport through and for a country where cricket England and Australia. In fact, celebrating one of its greatest, is nigh on religion, there has cricket was so strong among largely unsung heroes.

32 @sportsliberated www.sportsliberated.com 33 CAREER

How do I become a cricket writer? Who better to ask about becoming a sports writer than the amusingly monikered legside Lizzy? A freelance writer for the likes of the BBC, The People and MSN, Elizabeth Ammon gives you a heads up on how to begin

I’m often asked for advice about the county websites. There is 2) Don’t expect to get a full how to get a job covering increasing coverage of England time paid job in cricket – they’re cricket. I’m, perhaps, not the matches although that is still really aren’t very many. If you best person to ask because I fairly limited. The hope is that want to be a sports journalist it rather stumbled into it later on over time coverage of women’s is better to be a generalist in life (I’m no spring chicken). I cricket extends beyond the big rather than a specialist in cricket got into cricket by being a England series and into the new scorer in – sticking Women’s Cricket Super League 3) Start by finding something dots in a book every Saturday starting next year and that you are really passionate about for 20 years. women’s cricket becomes a – some element of the game and Then I just started blogging regular feature in the investigate a story in that area. on my own blog, I combined newspapers and on general Something from history or even that with use of social media sports websites over and above something more controversial, and some very kind people gave the specialist cricket ones. like drug taking or match fixing. me some opportunities for bits Whilst I’m always nervous Be prepared to spend a lot of of work and slowly built a about giving advice to those time and energy into researching portfolio. It’s not for the faint wanting to get into cricket a story or article. Then either hearted, it’s a pretty brutal journalism, I have a few self-publish or pitch it one of the industry and I make it even suggestions: various publications. more complicated by being a single mum. 1) It’s lovely to sit at cricket 4) Keep writing, keep plugging I have been very fortunate matches and write about what away and most importantly though, opportunities have you’re watching but there are keep enjoying cricket – be come my way almost by thousands of people who want advised that when you move accident and whilst it’s a hugely to do it and can write pretty from being a cricket lover to a competitive industry with an words. That’s only a small part cricket journalist, your love of ever decreasing number of jobs, of the job. Newspapers primary the game can be truly tested! there are still ways to earn currency is if you can get and money from covering cricket. break exclusive stories. You These are exciting times though Sadly though, there is very only do that by building up and there are plenty of places PHOTOGRAPHY: ALBUND little, if any, way of earning a contacts and sources and that well beyond the traditional living covering women’s cricket. takes a lot of time and energy. newspapers to have your work Domestic women’s gets very It’s hard but it’s probably the published or for you to self- little coverage outside of the most important part of being publish or broadcast your own dedicated women’s blogs and a journalist video pieces.

34 @sportsliberated www.sportsliberated.com 35 DOWNTIME

DOCUMENTARY BOOK BEST, WORST, FUNNY, LUDICROUS, ENDEARING CRICKET QUOTES CLICK TO PLAY “There’s almost no sledging in women’s cricket. Every now and then someone has some kind of funny banter, but I certainly “Big and small cricket clubs are wouldn’t call it sledging. It’s just competitive. Every now and then you have a laugh on the field when someone says something uniquely placed to help tackle funny. I don’t know if it has anything to do with gender or if it’s inequality in sports due to their just the way that we play these days.” links into local communities. Sport Aussie star Ellyse Perry, who’s also a footballer, via The Saturday Paper inspires young people, and not just with dreams of becoming an athlete; “I was desperate to play at school but I just didn’t have the chance. it can influence how they approach I had to play rounders or tennis. They let me play [with the boys] everyday decisions and equip them sometimes when they were short but it was very frustrating.” with life-changing skills.” Sarah Ginn, 34, who now coaches under-13 and under-17 girls in Warwickshire via

Chris Holmes, Disability Commissioner at the Equality and Human Rights ‘When Lydia Greenway, AFGHAN CRICKET CLUB: OUT OF THE ASHES THE TALIBAN Commission, via Wisden India a batter – not batsman, CRICKET CLUB first went on tour to ‘Do you think there’s any donkey meat in on the dusty plains of their homeland to Australia in 2003 they this?’ an Afghan cricketer asks his equally the first match in the green pastures of By Timeri N Murari had a support staff of bemused team-mate as they approach a the Channel Island, is an inspiring story Published by Allen & Unwin, “Cricket is a most precarious profession; it is three with them: a buffet table at a World Cup qualifying of a repressed team fighting against the (2012) called a team game but, in fact, no one is so coach, a manager and match in Jersey. This true story of the odds to achieve a dream for themselves, lonely as a batsman facing a bowler supported by a physio. Now there team’s journey from learning the game their community and their country. “Sister, as much as I love the ten fieldsmen and observed by two umpires to are seven or eight sound of your laugh, you must ensure that his error does not go unpunished.” people who accompany ART FILM be silent.” And so sets the John Arlott, An Eye for Cricket the team (although tone of this fictional story of that’s still rather fewer a young independent Afghan than the 72-strong woman, restricted in her life “Cricket in Britain needs females to play in entourage that and work when the Taliban mass numbers if the sport is not going to accompanied come to power. become a middle-class niche, as it seems the England football A cricket match arranged otherwise destined to be.” team to Brazil).’ by the authorities for The Telegraph’s Scyld Berry and his manifesto propaganda purposes for cricket in 2015 Via The Telegraph becomes a vital focus for Rukhsana and her immediate family as the winners would train in Pakistan, and with “The English “We probably need to talk to about her tossing skills.” that, an opportunity to are not very ’s following her team’s six- win against India escape the country spiritual in an ODI in which Bates lost her eighth successive one-day toss presents itself. Having studied abroad, people, ‘DANNI WYATT’ BY PAULETTE FARREL DIL POLE HADIPPA! Rukhsana is the only one so they ‘When I played tennis I couldn’t keep the ball in the court but www.redbubble.com/people/paulettefarrell Yash Raj Films (2009) who has any cricket invented luckily there are no restrictions in cricket.” https://cricketandotheranimals.wordpress.com/40-2/ Directed by Anurag Singh knowledge but, as a woman, England’s Nat Sciver on her penchant for smashing the ball is not allowed to play the cricket to Paulette Farrell is an artist who specialises in tonal Inevitably comedic problems game and so begins a high give them drawings. Primarily a sports artist who loves arise in this high-paced, stakes role of disguising some idea “We’re never recognised in the street and I think there’s a lack drawing cricket scenes and stories, Paulette’s work brightly-coloured, dance-and- herself so that she can coach of eternity.” of awareness. There’s also this misconception, in South Africa is becoming so successful that she is branching out sing-a-thong Bollywood her brother and cousins. anyway, that the women who play the sport are butch and not into other sports too. More and more people are movie when a feisty female The novel gives an insight George feminine.” asking her to do work on their sport. As long as cricketer dresses like a man into life under extreme Bernard South Africa cricketer there’s a theme of movement Paulette is there. Not to be able to play the game oppression and a brutal Shaw surprisingly, the originals sell pretty quickly but she loves. Will she come to regime and how the seeming prints are always available. If you are interested the rescue when the team innocence of sport can, for “I don’t watch cricket. How can you like a game that requires you in a commission the price is £75 framed (details need her most? What do some, be a life saver. to take four days off work to follow a Test?” correct at time of going to press). you think? French former footballer Thierry Henry is not a fan

36 @sportsliberated www.sportsliberated.com 37 A SERIES OF WOMEN’S SPORT-FOCUSED MAGAZINES

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