Women’s cricket pioneers take centre stage in new Test Match Special episode

Unearthing the stories behind women’s cricket

A new episode of BBC Test Match Special’s The Women in Whites explores the history of women’s cricket in England, with presenter Daniel Norcross and commentator Alison Mitchell joined by historian and writer Dr Raf Nicolson.

The programme looks at the pioneering figures who helped shape the women’s game, including Edith Bakewell and Rachael Heyhoe-Flint. Nicolson also discusses how women’s cricket led the way in developments such as roundarm bowling, the first World Cup, the first T20 international and England’s first franchise tournament.

Previously unpublished archive material

The episode follows a historic summer featuring a home Women’s World Cup and the first Women’s Test at Lord’s. It also reveals how Nicolson uncovered previously unpublished archival material documenting the early development of women’s cricket in England.

The episode is available on BBC Sounds.