(Image Source: ICC)
[Saba Sports News] Sue Redfern, a former England player with 21 matches to her name and a member of the 1997 ODI World Cup squad, is poised to make history as the first female umpire in a men’s first-class match in England and Wales. This milestone will occur when Glamorgan takes on Derbyshire in a County Championship Division Two match at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, starting on September 26.
Having previously officiated in the one-off Women’s Ashes Test earlier this year, Redfern expressed her excitement about this groundbreaking achievement, stating, “It has been an ambition of mine for a long time and, while it is a new challenge that will test me, I know that I am ready for it. I have worked hard to earn this opportunity and I look forward to taking the next step in my career. I hope my journey can also be an inspiration to others.”
Redfern further emphasized the fulfillment she finds in umpiring and her hope that her journey can inspire others to pursue similar paths. She discussed the progression from juggling umpiring with other commitments to making it her sole career and how opportunities now exist in umpiring for those who are willing to work hard and dedicate themselves.
In a remarkable achievement in 2021, Redfern became the first female umpire to officiate in a home England men’s match when she served as the fourth umpire in a T20I against Sri Lanka in Cardiff. The 45-year-old also made history earlier this year as the first female umpire in a T20 Blast encounter between Gloucestershire and Middlesex.
Redfern’s umpiring resume includes international tournaments such as the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Women’s T20 World Cups, and Women’s ODI World Cups. She was named in the Professional Umpires’ Team last year, granting her the privilege of officiating in first-class cricket in England.
Glamorgan and Derbyshire currently occupy the fifth and sixth positions on the points table, separated by 35 points. Derbyshire is currently playing Sussex at home, while Glamorgan recently drew their match against Yorkshire in Cardiff.