CATCHING HISTORY PROJECT CELEBRATES SCOTTISH CRICKET'S FEMALE PIONEERS
Cricket Scotland are pleased to support the launch and publication of “Catching History” – a research project funded by Sporting Heritages that examines the modern-day genesis of women’s cricket in Scotland.
The pilot study focuses on the years 1998-2002, when the foundations for women’s and girls’ cricket in Scotland today were laid, and when the Scottish Cricket Union (now Cricket Scotland) first officially recognised the women’s national team. Those involved during that period have told their stories for the first time, sharing their memories and presenting an up-to-date modern history of Scottish women’s and girls’ cricket in Scotland.
The project has been led by Dr Fiona Reid of Bayfirth Research CIC, and Dr Raf Nicholson, journalist and lecturer at Bournemouth University. “Catching History” is supported by Bayfirth Research CIC, and is a partnership between Cricket Scotland, Sporting Heritage and Scottish Women and Girls Cricket Research Network.
A webinar launching the project is taking place today, Tuesday 30 September, at 1700hrs UK and is available to access HERE.
Dr Fiona Reid said:
“This project was commissioned by the Scottish Women and Girls Cricket Research Network so that by 2028, which is the 150th anniversary of the first documented women’s cricket match in Scotland, we will know more about the history of the game here and be able to celebrate the long heritage of Scottish women’s cricket.
“In this pilot, we’ve tried to understand how the modern Scotland women’s team was formed, and one of the things we’ve done is look back to the few years prior to 2000, when the first official Scotland Women’s match was played.
“We interviewed five of the people involved in that first international team, including Linda Spence, who was the driving force behind its creation, and Kari Carswell, who was Cap no.1. Kari’s influence has continued to the present day in her role as Cricket Scotland’s National Pathways Coach, including leading the Women’s U19 squad at this year’s ICC U19 World Cup.
“In 2024, the senior women’s side made history by reaching the ICC Women’s t20 World Cup, so it’s fair to say that since 2000, the rise of Scottish women’s cricket has really been amazing. That’s something that I think the pioneers who set out at the beginning should be really proud of – without them, none of this would have been possible.”
More information about the Catching History project can be found HERE, via the Cricket Scotland website.