Rachel Heyhoe-Flint, Former England Women’s Skipper, Dies Aged 77
Jan 19, 2017 at 12:44 PM
Former England women’s captain Rachel Heyhoe-Flint has died aged 77 after suffering from a short illness.
Known as one of the finest women cricketers to grace the game, she represented England in 22 Tests and 23 ODIs between 1960 and 1979. She took over the captaincy in 1966 and remained unbeaten in six Test series. Rachel was also the first women cricketer ever to hit a six in a Test match. But her finest moment came in 1973 when she led England to World Cup triumph in the inaugural tournament.
She was also the first woman elected to the full committee of the MCC in 2004.
“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,” said MCC President Matthew Fleming. “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,” Fleming added. “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 has lowered its flag on the Clock Tower to pay their homage to the global pioneer of the game.