Peden's first-class Australians
History Makers—Part XX
What follows is the latest installment in our series on the inaugural women’s Ashes tour of 1934/35. The previous installment is here.
27th December 1934
Peden’s Team to Face England
Margaret Pedan will captain Australia in the first-ever women’s Test Match on 28 December. The final eleven from a squad of fourteen will be announced on the morning of the Test Match, which will be of three days. Play will begin at 1.15 p.m. and continue until 6.15 be played over p.m., with a tea break from 3.15 to 3.30 p.m.
Australian 14
Margaret Peden (N.S.W., capt.) has captained NSW every year since 1929 except 1931. She has an astute cricketing brain.
Kath Smith (Q. vice-capt.) is a splendid all-rounder, a fast left-hand bowler, and a keen fielder.
Essie Shevill (NSW) is a slow bowler with the ability to flight the ball, and a reliable bat.
Ruby Monaghan (N.S.W.) is a brilliant opening bat and change bowler.
Joyce Brewer (Q), one of several all-rounders, is a safe, top-order batter and a good fielder at point. She has represented Queensland on three occasions.
Hazel Pritchard (N.S.W.) is a stylish opening bat; much is expected from her.
Fernie Blade (N.S.W.) is one of the finest fast bowlers in Australia and a brilliant field.
Peggy Antonio (V) performed sensationally with the ball against the English team in Melbourne. She is also a useful bat and a good field at point.
Amy Hudson (V) is a fast bowler and sure field player, and she has won her state colours three times.
Nell McLarty (V) is a fast bowler and opening bat.
Ann Palmer (V) is a left-hand bowler and an excellent field.
Peggy Knight (NSW) was selected in the 1931-32 All-Australian team. An effective slow bowler, she is also a slip fielder and batter.
Lorna Kettles (V) is a stylish and forceful bat.
Hilda Hills (V) is considered the best wicketkeeper in the country.
The team arrived today by the Kyogle mail train and will stay at Ann Hathaway House.
Second Class Travel
Victoria’s Peggy Antonio, Ann Palmer, Hilda Hills, and Lorna Kettels departed for Brisbane on Christmas Eve. They traveled second class, which didn’t provide sleepers but required the passengers to sit upright for the entire journey from Melbourne to Brisbane. They would have traveled first class if this were a men’s team. However, second-class travel was deemed sufficient for them.
Who will be England’s first test players?
England has fielded thirteen players in the state matches. They look strong in all departments, but Snowball, Archdale and Child would have expected to score more runs. The bowling has been highly economical, with Maclagan, Spear, Hide and Turner forming the backbone of their attack.
Full averages can be found here.