A LADY cricketer who won the World Cup nearly 50 years ago is still getting awards aged 82.

Enid Bakewell was named player of the match during a recent tour Down Under.

She still regularly takes to the field despite two knee replacements and was in Australia and New Zealand with East Anglian Veteran Ladies.

Enid played 12 Tests for England between 1968 and 1979 and won the World Cup in 1973, beating Australia.

Her latest accolade came in the opening game of the tour against Queensland Veterans.

Enid, from Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Notts, said: “I think I was the worst player but I had a wonderful time. I had my second new knee in January but it didn’t cause me any trouble. We didn’t win any matches but played some tough opponents.

“Some of the men were very competitive, especially the Australians. I am still very competitive. All I want to do is win.

“Once you are a competitor you are always competitive.

“I’m not as fast as I used to be but I have got more experience so I am cleverer. Cricket is like a physical game of chess.

“People treat me with more respect now I’m older, so they don’t bowl so fast.” In 2014, Enid was named one of the five best female players of all time by Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack.

And she got an MBE in 2019 for services to women’s cricket.
Enid said: “Cricket is a wonderful sport, it keeps your body active and your mind, so hopefully I won’t be going senile.

“I have made so many friends, been to many interesting places and met so many lovely people.”