Morgan & Halstead receive YC caps

Date released: 27 August 2009

Two of MCC’s female Young Cricketers (YCs) have been capped to recognise their fine achievements both at Lord’s and internationally.

Halstead and Morgan receive their caps from Duncan Beth Morgan and Jenny Halstead received their MCC YC caps from coach Alan Duncan to mark the end of two years of success at Lord’s.

While male YCs receive a cap for scoring 1,000 runs or taking 50 wickets, their female counterparts play fewer games so recognition of their achievements (and therefore whether they are capped) relies more on the coach’s discretion.

The last female YC to be capped was Caroline Atkins in 2006. Atkins, like Morgan, went on to win two World Cups in 2009.

Morgan played every game during England’s successful campaign in Australia to become 50 overs World Champions.

England women lift the ICC World T20 at Lords' Back home, it was her brilliant 122-run unbeaten partnership with Claire Taylor that won England the game in their toughest match - the semi-final against Australia - during the ICC World Twenty20.

Halstead has captained the YCs during 2009 - she has been able to draw upon her considerable experience of captaining England’s Academy side.

Coach Alan Duncan said it was not just their consistency of selection on the international stage but the example they set to the other YCs at Lord’s through their work ethic, attitude and dedication that led to the rare honour of being capped.

Both finish their two-year stints at HQ at the end of this season.