Newstead cricket legend Enid Bakewell inducted into Hall of Fame

Former England cricketer, Enid, who hails from Newstead Village, was inducted into the Cricket Hall of Fame for a record-breaking career in national and international cricket.

“I was shocked when I got a call from the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Dubai inviting me to Sri Lanka to pick up the accolade,” said Enid who now lives with her daughter in Nuncargate. “It is a great honour to be in such good company.”

Enid is just one of three female cricketers invited to join other numerous legends of the game from cricket’s long and illustrious past.

These include Viv Richards, Ian Botham and Brian Lara, who was inducted at the same time as Enid and both presented with a framed commemorative cap.

Enid played for the English women’s team in 12 tests between 1968 and 1979 and in 23 one-day internationals.

Her successful past has left her regarded as the best all-rounder that the English women’s game has ever produced.

Her most memorable moment was in 1976 playing at Lords in the ladies first televised match against Australia.

“There was all sorts of commotion over whether we would be allowed to use the men’s changing rooms and such like,” explained Enid. “But after all that was sorted we won the match so it was a good result.”

Despite her recognition, Enid says women still have a long way to go to be accepted into what is traditionally a man’s game.

“Women are playing more tours now and with sponsorship increasing, as well as media coverage, it is heading in the right direction.

“There’s still a long way to go for it to be accepted and players to be equal.”