Rachael Heyhoe Flint: 1939-2017 © Getty Images
Baroness Rachael Heyhoe Flint, the former captain of the England Women’s cricket team, and one of the pioneers of the global game, has died at the age of 77.
Heyhoe Flint played 22 Tests and 23 ODIs between 1960 and 1979, and took over as captain in 1966. Her crowning glory came at the 1973 Women’s World Cup, when she led England to victory in the inaugural tournament, having been instrumental in setting the competition up in the first place.
According to legend, the concept was inspired by a bottle of “very good brandy” that she had shared with the future owner of Wolverhampton Wanderers, Jack Hayward, as the pair sat down to sketch out an event that would pre-date the men’s World Cup by a full two years.
After retirement, Heyhoe Flint continued in the pioneering spirit, and was one of the driving forces behind the seismic vote at MCC in 1999 that finally allowed women members to be admitted to the club. She was one of ten original female Honorary Life Members, and went on to become the first woman to be elected on to the MCC Committee in 2004, and served a second three-year term between 2008 and 2011.
MCC President Matthew Fleming said: “This is a terribly sad day for everyone involved in cricket and all of us at MCC. Rachael Heyhoe-Flint was a pioneer of women’s cricket.
“She was the first global superstar in the women’s game and her overall contribution to MCC, cricket and sport in general was immense.
“In 1999, Rachael was elected as one of the first ten female Members of MCC, and she became a central figure in the Club.
“Her impact on MCC, be it through events on the field or in the Committee Room, was immeasurable and her enthusiasm, wisdom and gentleness of character will be missed by everyone with whom she came into contact. We all loved her.”
The MCC flag on the Clock Tower at Lord’s has been lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect.
More to follow.
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo