Forgotten pioneers - Giles Wilcock

Forgotten Pioneers tells the extraordinary tale of the world's first professional women cricketers.

Founded in 1890, the 'Original English Lady Cricketers' played exhibition matches all over Britain. Enormous crowds flocked to see them and sceptical journalists were gradually won over by their obvious skill. However, the women were more than just cricketers: most evenings, they performed in local theatres and music halls, singing, dancing, fencing and putting on acrobatic displays.

But after their triumphant first season, something went wrong; midway through 1891 the organisation collapsed acrimoniously. Although poor weather and changes in personnel played a part, there was a strong suspicion of fraud by the team's (largely male) managers. A court case followed in 1892 and the OELC vanished from the headlines.

As women's cricket continues to reach new heights in the 21st century, this book tells the story of the forerunners of today's professional stars.