The craze for women’s cricket league is increasing daily, and hence new records are also on the way. This time Anna Harris has made many people awestruck by changing the game.
The second youngest women umpire on the pitch!
Credit: Google
Anna Harris made history as the second youngest umpire to preside over a major ICC tournament. Her invaluable presence was evident during the highly anticipated 2023 T20 Women’s World Cup match between Sri Lanka and South Africa in Cape Town.
Anna’s Performance
During the 2023 T20 Women’s World Cup match between Sri Lanka and South Africa in Cape Town, Anna Harris took to the field as an umpire, becoming the second youngest in a major ICC tournament.
Lauren Agenbag of South Africa still holds the record as the youngest umpire, officiating during the T20 WC 2020. Anna, a British umpire, was selected as a part of the all-female panel for the competition.
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During the match, 17 players on the field were older than her. It is noteworthy that Anna, who is currently studying medicine and working as a healthcare worker, made history as the youngest international umpire ever at the age of 22 in 2021.
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How did she do it so effortlessly?
In the context of a young female umpire officiating a cricket match involving experienced male players, what is the course of action? According to Anna Harris, the solution is straightforward: ” As long as you’ve got a smile and a bit of a quip and a sense of humor, you go a long way.”
In a May 2021 ECB Premier League match, Harris was accompanied by Yvonne Dolphin-Cooper on the field, marking the first occasion in which two women officials were present.
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In a recent interview, the 24-year-old emphasized the importance of normalizing the utilization of multiple women officials within the cricket domain.
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What did she think of two women standing together officially umpiring the match?
On this Harris said: “The main response from people when Yvonne and I were standing together was ‘Well why hasn’t it happened sooner? Why are we making such a big deal out of two women standing together? It should be normal,”
Attitudes are shifting and that is the biggest step. It’s about making some brave decisions and I think we’ve got the right people in the organization to now make some brave decisions.”
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“I’m excited to meet Meg Lanning. She’s been an inspiration for me and for many – she’s just all class,” Harris added.
Early days Hardship
Despite the challenges of working in a resource-constrained environment, Harris remains committed to her work ethic of being busy, even in the face of over 10,000 Covid-19 patients currently in hospitals across the UK post-winter pandemic surge.
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Harris’ foray into cricket began when she stumbled upon equipment in her school gym on a rainy day, ultimately leading to her love for the sport as a batter.
While her spin-bowling career saw its peak at a young age, Harris followed in her mother’s footsteps and began umpiring on Sundays while playing on Saturdays.
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1st Woman Umpire: Claire Polosak
Claire Polosak of Australia has an impressive track record in the world of cricket. She made her debut as an umpire in a men’s club game back in 2008/09 and has since officiated in both men’s and women’s international matches. She has also been a part of numerous ICC tournaments, including the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2016.
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Polosak is renowned for breaking several barriers in the sport. In 2017, she became the first female umpire to oversee a men’s domestic fixture in Australia.
Two years later, she made history again by serving as the first female umpire in a men’s ODI. In 2020/21, during India’s tour of Australia, she took on the role of fourth umpire in the third and fourth Tests, becoming the first female match official in a men’s Test match.
With her vast experience and groundbreaking achievements, Polosak inspires aspiring umpires, regardless of gender.
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