English women's cricket team in Australia and New Zealand in 1934-35

The English women's cricket team toured Australia and New Zealand in 1934-35. It was on this tour that the first women's Test matches were played: three against Australia, followed by one against New Zealand. England won the first two Tests against the Australians convincingly, and had the better of a drawn third Test, to clinch the Ashes. The game against New Zealand was even more one-sided, in England's favour.

The tour itself was recorded for posterity in a series of photographs that are now in the National Library of Australia [ [http://www.nla.gov.au/apps/cdview?pi=nla.pic-vn3068629 National Library of Australia website] .] . These photographs show the cricketers playing the game on a long tour, which took in many matches apart from the international series. However, there are others showing the players relaxing on their vessel, the SS Rotorua, and on trips, such as to Melbourne Zoo or up New Zealand glaciers.

The Test matches were dominated by Myrtle Maclagan, who made 279 runs and took 26 wickets. So much so that just after the men's team had lost the men's version of the Ashes, the "Morning Post" praised Maclagan's batting prowess with the quatrain:

:What matter that we lost, mere nervy men :Since England's women now play England's game, :Wherefore Immortal Wisden, take your pen :And write MACLAGAN on the scroll of fame [ [http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ci/content/player/53885.html Wisden obituary of Myrtle Maclagan MBE] .]

However, she was outscored by Betty Snowball, who made 381 runs, including a mammoth 189 against the Kiwis.

Test match details

First Test: England v Australia (28–31 December)

Archdale won the toss and chose to bat. England did not fare as well as in the earlier matches, though, and were only able to make 162, with Maclagan top-scoring on 50. Peggy Antonio took 6 for 49. Australia then made 31 for the loss of 1 wicket before stumps on the first day. The second day saw them to 150, just 12 behind England. 59 of these runs, however, were made for the ninth and tenth wicket. Without these, Australia probably would have slumped to a third consecutive defeat. As it was, however, England were tight for time, declaring on 153 for 7. Australia were made to face 57 overs, but were able to hang on, being eight down when the match ended. England therefore won the series two-nil.

Only Test: England v New Zealand (16-18 February)

Although scheduled as a three-day match, it was soon clear that it would not last the course. New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat, but were dismissed within 30 overs for a dire 44. Maclagan had taken 5 wickets, and Peta Taylor 3 to complete the rout. Maclagan, however, was first out at 55 for 1 in England's reply. Honours instead went to Betty Snowball, who set a new Test match record score of 189. Molly Hide also made a century as New Zealand's attack lacked any penetration. England batted on past their first day score of 431 for 4, finally declaring on 503 for 5.

New Zealand batted better in their second innings, but an England victory was never in doubt as Joy Partridge took 4 wickets to end England's Test match tour on a comprehensive high.

References