A TEENAGER has blazed a trail into the England cricket team.
The biggest stage of all beckons for 17-year-old Beth MacGregor, who has been hailed as among the best women cricketers around.
A-Level student Beth has been drafted into the England squad to face New Zealand in four one-day internationals.
Though she did take to the field in the first two matches this week, she could be in line to play in today's third clash between the countries.
But, because of the lowly status of the women's game in this country, her achievement will probably garner little attention.
However, some vanquished opponents should know all about this rare talent, as they have been on the wrong end of some barn-storming displays by Beth.
That is according to the cricket master at Chigwell School for boys and girls, which Beth attends.
He can remember a few red faces prompting revised opinions about females in cricket, after a school derby match.
Frank Griffith said: “It was a magnificent innings. When she first went in, some of the opposition thought she would be an easy wicket. But I think they were humbled by the end.”
Mr Griffith called Beth a 'natural talent'.
“She will go down as one of the best cricketers who has set foot in the school,” he said.
“I think it’s an unbelievable achievement for someone who is so young as Beth to play for her country.
“It’s not just her skill, but also her knowledge. She knows about how to set a good field, how to adapt and plan mid-game, and she has good shot selection.
“She’s been special from when she was in the U12s and playing in the boys' side.
“Beth’s done really well to keep progressing, unlike some children who stop improving when they get to a certain standard. She just goes on and on.”
The relative absence of media interest in the women's form of cricket has not stopped Beth from sampling the life of a sports professional.
In March, she went to Bangalorewith the England Academy for matches against local teams.
That formed part of training for the next women’s cricket World Cup, which will be played in India.
Meanwhile, a best innings of 119 and best bowling figures of 6-13 testify why Beth is likely to become a familiar face in the England team.
Her new success is no surprise, considering her family’s pedigree in the game.
Her brother is captain of the Chingford CC first team and father Richard MacGregor plays for the Kimberley Way club as well.
Beth began at Chingford, and today plays club cricket for Loughton CC.
Richard said: "Beth has been involved on the outskirts of the England team for about a year now and so she’s very pleased.
“The main thing is that she continues to enjoy playing the game. She enjoys her cricket and she's a well-rounded person.”
The challenge ahead may be how Beth can fulfil all her promise while it is so hard to make a career as a female cricketer.
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