The creation of the Women’s Ashes wAS commemorated at a special event at Lord’s on Saturday ahead of the England v Australia Vitality Women’s T20 international at the Ground.
The event marked the 25th anniversary of the ceremony that took place in the Harris Garden at Lord’s in 1998, when England and Australia players gathered a day before they faced each other in a One-Day International to burn two bats both teams had signed along with a copy of the WCA (Women’s Cricket Association) constitution. The ashes were later inserted into a hollow wooden cricket ball which formed the first Women’s Ashes trophy.
A host of guests from the worlds of cricket and sport, including players who were at the original ceremony, were at the Harris Garden on Saturday when MCC President Stephen Fry unveiled a special plaque to honour what was a significant moment for the women’s game.
The creation of the Ashes Trophy came 64 years after the first ever women’s Test match between England and Australia and was followed by a merger between the Women’s Cricket Assocation and ECB, heralding a unified body for the men’s and women’s game.
Former England Captain, and former MCC President Clare Connor, who was part of the 1998 ceremony in the Harris Garden, commented: “It’s incredible to think how the women’s game has evolved and developed since our historic Ashes gathering in the Harris Garden nearly 25 years ago. Looking back, it was a really significant moment and it’s wonderful to see it being celebrated ahead of England women taking on Australia in the third and final Ashes T20. I’m sure it’ll be a wonderful day for players past and present and for the fast growing fan base for women’s cricket.
“It’s been a remarkable summer of Ashes cricket so far. And it’s really special that all four men’s and women’s teams have the chance to compete for their respective Ashes at the Home of Cricket this summer.”
Chief Executive Guy Lavender added: “We’re very proud of our historical link to the Women’s Ashes and are delighted to mark that moment in history with a plaque that will be seen by thousands of future visitors and ensuring the legacy will continue here at Lord’s".
"As a Club and a Ground, we are committed to growing the women’s and girls’ game whether that’s by hosting more women’s matches, having recently confirmed England Women’s fixtures at Lord’s until 2031, or giving more girls the opportunity to play cricket through projects such as the ‘Road to Lord’s’ initiative or the MCC Foundation Hubs programme.”
To view the story behind the Women's Ashes being created at Lord's in 1998, please click HERE