Cricket legend's widow honoured
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The widow of cricket legend Stuart Surridge yesterday went out to bat for sporting equality by becoming the first woman president of a county cricket club.
Betty Surridge - whose husband captained Surrey County Cricket Club through five successive championship wins in the 1950s - took over the team's presidency from John Paul Getty at the annual general meeting at the Oval, south London.
Mrs Surridge, who describes herself as "70 several", said she was "obviously honoured" to head the team, which her husband led through the glory years of 1952-56, and for which her son "Tiger" Surridge also played.
But the grandmother, who admits she only plays cricket "on the beach", said she would not be initiating radical changes to bowl out sporting chauvinism. "I think the job's a figurehead," she said.
"But what I am good at is meeting people. I know a lot of cricketing people and I shall help entertain."
Mrs Surridge - who will be banned from entering the Long Room at Lord's because of her sex - said she hoped her new role would improve the status of women in cricket.
And she said the county club - the first to allow women into the pavilion - had been wholeheartedly in favour of her election.
"There's been no opposition, at least not in my hearing. They're all over the moon," she said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments