Brindle Celebrates Call-Up With Historic Century

Louth and England cricketer Arran Brindle celebrated being named in England Women's squad to play Australia, India and New Zealand later this summer with an innings of 128 for Louth in the ECB Lincolnshire Premier League.

Brindle, who is set to make her return to international cricket following a five-year break, top scored in her side's innings against Market Deeping as they went on to record a comprehensive 72-run win as she took her season's average to 67.

The groundbreaking innings is being highlighted by the England & Wales Cricket Board as an example of the opportunities granted to women playing the game.

"Arran Brindle's century in the ECB men's Premier League is an historic achievement in this country and, as far as we are aware, globally," Clare Connor, ECB Head of Women's Cricket, said.

"It’s a fantastic reflection of our sport, and of the forward-thinking of ECB and its member clubs that Arran plays at this level on merit. From an England women's perspective it is really valuable that our top players can perform in these sorts of environments ahead of the international matches this summer."

Brindle added: "It was a great feeling to score a century for Louth yesterday and then to learn that it was the first by a female at that level made it even more special. The timing of my innings means that my confidence is high going in to the international women's quadrangular tournament this summer. 

I have played for Louth men's 1st XI for several years now and I captained the side in 2007, 2009 and 2010. It's a totally natural environment for me and it's brilliant that cricket is a sport that allows these sorts of opportunities."

England play Australia, India and New Zealand in quadrangular one-day and Twenty20 tournaments in June and July.