Charlotte Edwards has become the most capped female cricketer in the world after the captained her side in her 142nd One Day International against Sri Lanka as part of their two week tour in the subcontinent.
Edwards made her international debut at the age of 16 in the third Test against New Zealand at Guilford in 1996. Captaining the team for the first time in 2005 in Sri Lanka, a lot has happened in the intervening years. England have won the Ashes, the World Cup and World Twenty20 and this tour is a dress rehearsal for their clash with Australia in the new year.
Since taking over the position of captain, Edwards has now captained a record 67 One Day International matches, the most by a man or woman in English cricket. In her international career, Edwards has taken 47 wickets, has a highest score of 173 not out and is currently ranked sixth in the women’s world batting rankings.
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Talking about her success, Edwards commented, “I’m very proud of my achievement. It’s been an unbelievable journey. I dreamed of playing for England and I got the opportunity very young. It seems a long time ago – a lot has happened along the way. It’s been a long journey with a lot of highs and lows but mote recentl a lot of highs. I’m as motivated as anything now and want to keep making this team successful”
Clare Connor, Head of Women’s Cricket at the ECB said, “Charlotte Edwards has been a force in international women’s cricket for nearly 15 years and continues to lead the England team with unrivalled enthusiasm, passion and dedication. She is a credit to women’s cricket, both in England and globally, and a superb role model for young girls who aspire to play for their country. We are all very proud of her outstanding record.”
England are currently touring in Sri Lanka having won their first One Day International by five runs with one more to play as well as an International Twenty20 series.
Kirsty Page, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine