What do Pat Cummins, Shane Warne, Sir Donald Bradman and Peggy Antonio have in common?
As the MCG gears up to host its final cricket game of the season, there’s an interesting tale that needs to be told to connect these cricket greats.To find out, watch the video below.
In the depths of the MCG, within the home and away team changerooms, sits a board with names of the best-of-the-best cricketers from around the world. Players who have excelled at the iconic MCG – by scoring over 100 runs or taking five wickets in an innings.
But among the 348 entries across all four boards – two for the home team and two for the away team – sits just one female player. Enter Peggy Antonio.
A talented bowler who could turn the ball both ways, Peggy holds the unique title of only female cricketer to take five-wickets in a Test at the MCG.
What makes this even more remarkable – Peggy was not even 18 during this match.
Peggy’s match at the MCG – which was the very first women’s Test match at the stadium – saw Australia and England draw, with Peggy entering the honour boards with a first-innings bowling total of 6/49 from 21.5 overs.
Peggy’s career spanned six matches, until she unexpectedly retired at the age of 22.
Despite her short career – Peggy’s name is permanently etched in history at the MCG.
And why are focusing on Peggy so much this week?
Tomorrow marks the first opportunity for a female to step in history and onto these honour boards in over 75 years, joining Peggy in the rarest of company.
The last time a women’s Test match was played at the MCG was also between Australia and England. The match in January 1949, saw Australia (265 and 4d/158) and England (118 and 7/171) draw the match.
But it’s not just history-making for the 75-year drought of women’s Test cricket at the MCG. The match will also see the very first Day-Night Test at the MCG. Ever.
Equipped with the pink ball, the Australian and English women’s teams do battle once more in their series, which Australia leads 6-0.
So, with the series sewn-up by Australia and the Ashes retained, one question remains.
Will we see the next Peggy Antonio take to the field at the MCG this week?
The Women’s Ashes Test begins at the MCG on Thursday January 30. Tickets are available via Ticketek.