Celebrating the Women’s Test at Lord’s and the power of role models in cricket
This summer marks a historic moment for the game, as Lord’s hosts its first-ever Women’s Test Match.
The occasion is another significant milestone in the continued growth of women's cricket, showcasing the talent, dedication and ambition of female players on one of the sport's most iconic stages. More importantly, it provides the next generation of women and girls with visible role models and a powerful reminder that cricket is a game for everyone.
At Lord’s Taverners, creating opportunities for women and girls to thrive through cricket is a key part of our mission. Through programmes such as Wicketz and our girls' residentials, we work to ensure that young people from underserved communities can access the many benefits sport can provide, building confidence, developing life skills and creating lasting friendships.
That work is made stronger through the support of organisations that share our commitment to inclusion and empowerment, including Take Her Lead.
Take Her Lead, a charity founded by former England player and broadcaster Isa Guha, works to promote equity and diversity in cricket and increase the participation of women & girls by connecting them to positive female role models, amplifying their voices to ensure our game reflects their needs, and empowering them to fulfil their potential and thrive, both within cricket and beyond.
For nearly five years, Take Her Lead has been a valued contributor to a number of Lord’s Taverners programmes, delivering workshops for participants attending our girls' residentials and Wicketz hubs. Through these sessions, hundreds of young people have had the opportunity to hear from inspiring women, explore topics around confidence and leadership, and gain skills that extend far beyond cricket.
At last year's girls' Wicketz residential at Repton School in Derby, Take Her Lead delivered a workshop focused on resilience and the wide range of careers that exist outside of cricket beyond playing professionally. Joined by Take Her Lead Champions – elite female players from across the game – participants had the opportunity to hear first-hand experiences of overcoming challenges, building careers and finding their place within cricket.
The session left a lasting impression on many of the young people in attendance.
"It's inspiring to be around professionals – it makes me feel like I can do it too."
"Hearing her have a similar story to me makes me feel better about life."
"It was my favourite workshop, I came away feeling inspired."
These reflections demonstrate the power of representation and the impact that relatable role models can have on a young person's confidence and aspirations.
The impact of seeing women lead, achieve and excel cannot be underestimated. As the players take to the field at Lord’s for this historic Test Match, they will be inspiring countless young girls watching from the stands, from their homes, and from grassroots cricket clubs around the country.
That same principle sits at the heart of the work being delivered every day by organisations such as Take Her Lead. By connecting young people with inspiring female role models and creating spaces where women and girls feel valued and supported, they are helping to shape a more inclusive future for the game.
As we celebrate this landmark occasion for women's cricket, we're also celebrating the charities, community groups, coaches, volunteers and partners who are helping to create pathways for the next generation to follow.
Because the future of cricket depends not only on what happens on the field, but on ensuring every young person can see a place for themselves within the game.
More news like this
The Final Word and Tavs go to Edinburgh
Wicketz and Super 1s participants celebrate an amazing year of community cricket
An update from CEO, Mark Curtin
