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The first international team to visit our shores was, of course, the
West Indies. They had something of a torrid time and, while missing
Deandra Dottin from their number they simply didn't play to anywhere
near their potential. All teams are liable to have periods like this
and we have to hope for the sake of world cricket, this is just a
phase.
The series did, however, produce a moment that I will remember for a
long time. This was Fran Wilson's quite outstanding catch. So good was
this effort that a number of times watching the men's game on the TV
when the commentators remarked they had just seen the catch of the
season, I found myself thinking "pretty good but they are not Fran
Wilson".
You may find the quality of the
video better here...
During 2019 one particular assignment proved a real pleasure. I
was not surprised since I had experienced this competition just the
previous year so when asked to photograph it again there was no way I
was going to excuse myself. This was the trip to England by the ICC
Women's Global Development XI.
2018 Slide Shows shown here
The players in this XI come from all around the world including
Papua New Guinea, Bangladesh, Pakistan, USA and, rather closer to
home, Scotland, Ireland and Germany. Last year there were some from the United
Arab Emirates.
It's a fine idea by the ICC! Not only does it give these girls a
chance to play to a higher standard than they have back home, but it
allows many of them to travel to places far removed from their homes
not just in distance but in culture - a chance you might say to see
"how the other half lives".
The ICC Team Celebrate taking a wicket against the
Surrey Stars (© ICC)
The bonding among the players was very evident in spite of their
varied backgrounds. In the shot above the cry from the huddle was
"Rising Stars" a name they appeared to have given themselves!
Javeria Wadood (© ICC)
Captained by the more experienced Javeria Wadood from Pakistan, they
put up a good showing, giving some of their opponents a real run for
their money.
Christina Gough from Germany (© ICC)...
... and Brenda Hoi Tau from Papua New Guinea (© ICC) - and also from PNG...
... quick bowler Ravini Oa (© ICC)
These two from PNG likely had the longest journeys, while the player
batting closest to home was probably...
Emily Windsor (© ICC)
A Slide Show from the match against the England Academy
can be found here...
I fervently hope they will return next year and give me the
opportunity to meet them again.
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