Enid Bakewell with other members of East Anglian Veteran Ladies
Enid Bakewell, bottom right, with other members of East Anglian Veteran Ladies

Not many 81-year-olds have traveled to Australia to play cricket.

Not many 81-year-olds are as similar to Enid Bakewell.

The 1973 World Cup winner is considered one of the greatest female players of all time, having averaged almost 60 in a Test career which lasted from 1968 until 1979.

His playing career is not over yet.

When he returned from touring Australia and New Zealand 53 years ago, he was representing the East Anglian Veteran Ladies who played against other veterans.

"We didn't win many games, but people felt good about it, that's why we didn't win many games."

They were very nice, but they didn't want to lose.

The New Zealand men were more personable than the Australians. Aussies always want to win.

The player of the match was named in the opening match of the cricket season.

"I got a bottle of wine, but I can't remember if I did anything really well," said Bakewell.

Enid Bakewell with her player of the match award
Enid Bakewell with her player of the match award

Janet Allen was a former England team-mate and later captain of the team.

The 67-year-old said that Enid played and was quick in the field. She opened the batting and they were not giving her anything. She played in all of the games.

She's loving it, she's a joy to be with, and there are so many stories from the past.

retirement would be an appealing option for the stalwart whose only playing breaks have been when she started a family or when the occasional injury has struck.

When I was five and a half months pregnant, I played. I didn't want my runs to be taken away from me.

When the children were born, I had to take a break. I used to run down the road with a baby stroller. It works, but don't let go.

Cricket Week, an annual tournament featuring many prominent players of the past and present, was prevented from being attended by the 81-year-old due to contracting Covid-19.

That hasn't deterred the old man. She plays club cricket and occasionally helps her daughter's eight-a-side team.

Her second child was named after her batting partner. Lynne has decided to follow in her mother's footsteps.

She asked if she wanted a game after they were short.

I didn't keep score, but everyone had to bowl and I didn't want to hurt myself.

We actually won because I caught awicket behind the stumps.

Normally, the grandma who plays with her granddaughter doesn't win. They won their first game and then won three more in a row.

It's clear that age doesn't have to be a barrier to playing cricket.

There is a secret to longevity in the game.

She smiled and said to keep the interest. Cricket is a great way to keep your mind active.

When you're in the field, they're all your partners in the game, because it's a mind game and you have to be a partner for the batter at the other end.

It stimulates the brain and the body at the same time.

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