Skip to content

Sophia Dunkley makes history as first Black woman to play Test cricket for England

All-rounder's milestone is a significant moment for the game, says Ebony Rainford-Brent - the first Black woman to play white-ball cricket for England; Dunkley's call-up comes after a strong start to the Rachael Heyhoe Flint trophy, in which she has scored 104no and 92 in three innings

Wednesday 16 June 2021 19:01, UK

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sophia Dunkley is presented with her Test cap as she becomes the first Black woman to play Test cricket for England.

Sophia Dunkley has made history by becoming the first Black woman to play Test cricket for England.

Dunkley, 22, was awarded her first cap ahead of the Test against India at Bristol having already made 15 T20 appearances for her country.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sophia Dunkley said she hopes her call-up will inspire more boys and girls to pick up a cricket bat

The all-rounder received her cap from team-mate Georgia Elwiss, who read out some words written by Ebony Rainford-Brent MBE - the first Black woman to play white-ball cricket for England.

Twitter This content is provided by Twitter, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options. Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only.
Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once

Rainford-Brent, now a pundit for Sky Sports, has in recent years overseen the development of the ACE Programme Charity which aims to develop diverse grassroot talent and increase diversity in the professional game.

The former England and Surrey player said that Dunkley's milestone was a significant moment for cricket on a number of levels.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

The ACE Programme Charity aims to engage young people of African and Caribbean heritage after a 75 per cent decline in Black players playing professional cricket. This is the story of the programme so far...

"This is a massive moment. I was just speaking to her mum and to Heather (Knight) yesterday, and I think it's so proud for so many reasons.

"From a performance perspective she's been knocking down the door with runs and runs and runs.

Also See:

"But on the other side of the big picture of the game as players talking about wanting to open it up, her position as a role model is important for young kids; young girls seeing her will reflect it is possible to play for England no matter your background."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Ebony Rainford-Brent MBE says she initially didn't believe it when she received an email with the news that she was being made an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours for services to cricket and charity.

Dunkley's Test call-up comes after a strong start to the Rachel Heyhoe Flint Trophy that has seen her crack an unbeaten 104 off 93 balls for South East Stars against Sunrisers - an innings she followed up two matches later with 92 off 111 deliveries against Western Storm.

After seven international knocks, Dunkley averages 19.50 and has just one international wicket to her name so far.

Live coverage of the Women's Test between England and India continues on Sky Sports Cricket.

Around Sky

Upgrade to Sky Sports to watch over 200 live festive football matches and all the darts

Not got Sky? Get instant access to Sky Sports with no contract