Cricket Witness No 4 - Women at the WIcket

129 popular that at the Northampton Test a reverend completely forgot he had to perform a wedding that afternoon, and instead stayed to watch the match. 14 The proficiency of players’ performances not only challenged popular misconceptions about women’s physical abilities but their supposedly natural mental aptitude too. The tendency to speak of all women homogenously was common, but nonetheless journalists commended the ‘fine generalship’ and ‘outstanding’ leadership captains exhibited despite ‘little experience in this direction’. 15 One spectator at the final test match between England and Australia in July 1937 went even further, questioning his whole outlook on gender: ‘The general consensus was that, if the pretty innocents wanted to go and dress up as cricketers they might as well make exhibitions of themselves in that way as in another; but it would probably all end in tears… this state of affairs must be admitted to have ended this week… never did a sex run more untrue to form. Women are unpunctual; yet on the second day play started five minutes before the time advertised. Women are frail; yet on the first day play was resumed immediately after a deluge of rain had transformed the deep field into the shallow end. Women complain; yet Australia batted on in a crepuscular murk without appealing against the light… it was a triumph for both sides. Henceforth none will dare to sneer at, or even to ignore, female cricket-players.’ 16 By playing the sport to the highest possible standard players challenged and, fundamentally, changed perceptions of women as innately demur, submissive and weak-bodied. Unlike female footballers, whose indiscretions on expenses and playing attire were used to ban them in 1921, cricketers deliberately appeared ‘feminine’ in their dress, demeanour and etiquette to limit hostility. The WCA had organised the 1937 tour without any partnership with the English Federation, due in part to the latter’s relaxed attitude on these issues. Even if most cricket supporters in the country were still ignorant of the game, through the Association’s tireless and judicious efforts, opinions were changing. The many thousands that had watched the 1937 Australia tour, including a large chunk of the male cricketing establishment, were beginning to appreciate just how suited women were to the game – and how accomplished they were after only a decade of organised cricket. As such, the sport contributed to the reshaping of popular attitudes towards women in the interwar years. It proved women’s bodies and minds could excel when given the opportunity. In many ways, cricket mirrored what women had achieved in the political arena nine years before. The summer of 1937 witnessed women’s integration and acceptance into the heart of English national culture and identity, but just like in Parliament, their representation remained smaller, marginal and somewhat overlooked. ‘The idea a girl cannot play cricket has proved to be rubbish’