On a warm summer’s day in 1745, Guildford in England witnessed a quiet revolution.
A group of women, their skirts swishing against the grass, gathered in a field with an unusual purpose – to play cricket.
They probably didn’t know it then, but their actions that day would echo through the centuries.
From that humble beginning in a field near Guildford, a path was forged that would lead to packed stadiums, World Cups, and professional leagues for female cricketers.
Today, as we watch women’s cricket matches broadcast around the globe, let’s remember those brave souls who first dared to play.
On the 279th anniversary of that first women’s match, The Cloud County Ground proudly hosts Essex Women for the first of three matches in 2024.
School’s out, cricket’s in: 50-over cricket in Chelmsford this summer
White-ball action at The Cloud County Ground continues into July and August as the Metro Bank One-Day Cup gets underway.
The competition has not only recently proven itself to be wide open and highly competitive, but also a breeding ground for the next generation of elite cricketers.
With all matches set to take place during the school summer holidays, each fixture makes a perfect family day out in the heart of Chelmsford.
Wednesday 31 July, 11:00am: Essex v Leicestershire Foxes – buy here
Sunday 04 August, 11:00am: Essex v Glamorgan – buy here
Friday 09 August, 2:00pm: Essex v Surrey – buy here
Alongside the offering of men’s Metro Bank One Day Cup action, The Cloud County Ground will also host two Women’s London Championship matches during the summer holidays.
Friday 26 July, 11:00am: Essex Women v Kent – buy here
Wednesday 14 August, 11:00am: Essex Women v Sussex – buy here
