Lives in Cricket No 49 - Enid Bakewell

76 XI, but Enid was not in the side, rested for harder games – England cruised to 243 for three and the International XI managed 111 for eight. They then moved on to New Plymouth, where they played Taranaki, Australia and New Zealand. The warm up with Taranaki (actually more about giving local players a game against strong opposition, since the tournament was well under way) was easy. Despite apparently having breakfasted on stale cereal and soggy toast, England made 172 for five (Enid 22, run out). Taranaki started all right, but lost four wickets with the score on 11 and were all out for 41 (Enid had a short bowl, 4-2-4-1). Then came a defeat by Australia, who scored 195 for eight with 61 from Denise Alderman. Enid bowled 12 overs, taking two for 32, and was much the most economical English bowler. England reached 91 for two, but then lost wickets. Enid came in at 100 for five and was stumped for one. England struggled to 151 for nine but were never really in the game. If it needed to be demonstrated, Australia were very strong. Still at New Plymouth, England now played New Zealand. New Zealand made 170 for eight with the England bowlers keeping it tight. Enid’s 12 overs saw her take one for 26, which the WCA Bulletin referred to as ‘a welcome return to form of the evergreen Bakewell’. England reached 171 for three with three overs to spare. Enid, on the card at number six, did not bat. They went on to Wanganui, where they were to play India, and stayed in dormitories in the Wanganui Girls’ College, Here, as everywhere, the Bulletin records a lot of time spent washing and ironing their clothes (not something men’s teams seem to have to do). This match is the only one to go unreported by the Bulletin , perhaps because of the surprise result. During the game Enid’s wallet was taken from the changing room. The police were informed but did not want to take action in case it led to an international incident! India made 178 for seven, with wicketkeeper Fowzieh Khalili batting almost through the innings before being run out for 88. Enid bowled very tightly, 12-6-13-3. England must have expected it to be easy, but they were 131 all out in 55.5 overs. Jan Brittin and Rachael Flint improved things after two early wickets, but after them came collapse. Enid, coming in at seven, made 12. The game against Wanganui was more than a little one-sided. England made 345 for six with Janet Southgate making 107. Enid made 55 in an opening stand of 130. Wanganui, after reaching 38 for two, made only 44. The locals were completely at sea against Enid who took five for seven in eight overs. At the other end Carol Hodges bowled ten overs and took four for two. On January 23 they were in Wellington playing Australia again, and were beaten again. England were bowled out for 119. Enid, coming in at number seven again, top scored with 33 then was run out trying to farm the bowling with the last batter in, and the Bulletin adds a little forlornly, 1982 World Cup