Eileen Ash (née Whelan) was the longest-lived Test cricketer. Her passing at the age of 110 brings to a close the most extraordinary innings for a woman who played for England either side of World War Two.
Born in 1911, Ash represented the Civil Service Women, Middlesex Women and South Women domestically and made her England debut in 1937. A right-arm medium bowler, she claimed ten wickets in that first summer. Her burgeoning career soon interrupted, Ash spent the War years working with MI6 as part of the UK’s special intelligence, her talents extending well beyond the boundary rope. Upon her eventual retirement from cricket in 1949, Ash had managed 7 Tests with best bowling figures of 3/35.
Eileen Ash was a much-loved figure in English cricket, and she developed a profound connection with the MCC. At 96 years of age, she had the honour of ringing the bell before the 2017 Women’s World Cup Final. In 2019 was awarded honorary Life Membership and had her portrait unveiled at Lord’s.
A pioneer on and off the field, Ash lived a truly remarkable life, and her passing closes an important chapter in the game’s history.
