The Forgotten Archives: Uncovering the Hidden History of Women’s Cricket
What if I told you that the history of women’s cricket was hidden in a cowshed in Lancashire? It sounds like the plot of a quirky British film, but it’s the truth—and it’s a truth that reveals far more than just forgotten records. It’s a story of resilience, ingenuity, and the relentless fight for recognition in a sport that often sidelined its female pioneers.
When I first embarked on my PhD research in 2011, I naively assumed the MCC library at Lord’s would be a treasure trove of women’s cricket history. After all, it’s the world’s largest cricket archive. But what I found was shocking: three books, one of which was Rachael Heyhoe Flint’s autobiography. That was it. The shelves were bare, a stark reminder of how easily history can be erased when it’s not deemed important enough to preserve.
Personally, I think this speaks to a broader issue in sports history—women’s achievements are often relegated to footnotes, if they’re acknowledged at all. It’s not just about cricket; it’s about the systemic undervaluing of women’s contributions across fields. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the Women’s Cricket Association (WCA) operated for over 70 years with virtually no financial support, yet still managed to organize international tours, Test matches, and even a World Cup victory in 1993.
One thing that immediately stands out is the sheer creativity these women employed to keep the game alive. Take the 1968-69 tour to Australia and New Zealand, for example. England’s players traveled wearing sponsored bras from a lingerie brand because they couldn’t secure proper funding. It’s both hilarious and heartbreaking—a testament to their determination, but also a stark reminder of the barriers they faced.
What many people don’t realize is that these women were not just athletes; they were administrators, fundraisers, and advocates. Ruth Prideaux, who coached England to their 1993 World Cup win, had her players sleeping on blow-up mattresses in her living room because there was no budget for proper accommodation. Norma Izard, in a moment of sheer brilliance, created the first Women’s Ashes trophy by burning a miniature bat in a borrowed wok from the MCC kitchens. These stories aren’t just anecdotes—they’re evidence of a deep-seated passion that refused to be extinguished.
If you take a step back and think about it, the WCA’s story is a microcosm of women’s struggle for equality in sports. They didn’t just play cricket; they fought for it. They wrote letters, begged for sponsorships, and even played in skirts until 1997 because Marjorie Pollard, the WCA’s founder, deemed trousers ‘beyond the pale.’ From my perspective, this rigid adherence to outdated norms highlights the societal pressures women faced—not just on the field, but in every aspect of their lives.
The discovery of the WCA archive in that Lancashire cowshed was a turning point. Carole Cornthwaite, a former England player, had stored the records in her farm after retiring. Among rusty farming equipment and garden furniture, I found minute books, scrapbooks, and tour diaries dating back to 1926. It was like uncovering a time capsule, and it allowed me to piece together the stories of women like Betty Archdale, Myrtle Maclagan, and Enid Bakewell—players who had been all but forgotten.
What this really suggests is that history is often hidden in plain sight, waiting for someone to care enough to look. The MCC’s acquisition of the WCA archive in 2017 was a step in the right direction, but it’s just the beginning. We need more books, more research, and more recognition for these pioneers. As we celebrate the professionalization of women’s cricket today, it’s crucial to remember those who laid the groundwork—often with nothing but sheer willpower.
In my opinion, the story of women’s cricket isn’t just about the sport; it’s about the human spirit’s ability to thrive against the odds. It’s a reminder that progress is rarely linear, and that every victory—whether it’s a World Cup win or a sponsored bra—is worth celebrating. So, the next time you watch a women’s cricket match, take a moment to think about the cowshed in Lancashire and the women who made it all possible.
The Women in Whites: A History of Women’s Cricket in England is more than a book; it’s a call to action. Let’s ensure that these stories are never forgotten again.
