Anita’s an all-rounder

Anita’s an all-rounder

Busy Mum, accomplished chef and author, charity volunteer and former medical research scientist. Now a county cricketer.

That’s the more-than-active life of Anita Sharma-James, who has just stepped down from her role as a director of Birmingham Press Club.

In a ground-breaking moment for cricket enthusiasts and players alike, Anita turned out for a mixed Worcestershire side against Yorkshire in the first-ever county walking cricket match.

The inaugural match was organised by Elsa-Marie Evans, Community Development Manager for Worcestershire CCC, and hosted by the Northern side at the picturesque Monk Bretton Cricket Club in Barnsley.

Anita, immediate past chairman of the Worcestershire & Herefordshire Group of the Motor Neurone Disease Association. said: “Although we were beaten by a very good side, everybody enjoyed the day, testing their skills and celebrating the inclusivity that walking cricket now embraces. I’m an avid follower of cricket so it was a real pleasure – and honour – to take part in such a fixture.”

On a scorching day, Worcestershire, sponsored by Coaching Centred Leadership,  batted first in the 20-over match, scoring a respectable total of 171 for six, of which Anita scored 22. But big-hitting Yorkshire were more than capable of reaching the target and ended the day on 258 for two.

Mac Mckechnie, Manager of Walking Cricket Yorkshire, said: “It was outstanding to witness the boundaries of cricket continue to expand.”

·         A Worcestershire walking cricket festival for county-wide teams is being staged at Worcestershire CCC’s New Road ground (WR2 4QQ) on Friday, 28 July. Games will start at 10 am.