International Women’s Day on tour is always special, but this one felt particularly meaningful. Instead of simply marking the occasion, we celebrated it in the best way we know how — with a game of cricket. The female members of the team took to the field for an intra-squad match against the girls from Keere Cricket Academy, and it quickly became one of those moments that reminds you why sport matters so much.
From the moment we arrived, the energy was infectious. The girls from the academy were buzzing with excitement, eager to test themselves and soak up every moment. What struck me most wasn’t just their enthusiasm for the game, but their determination to keep playing despite the challenges they face. Cricket isn’t always an easy path for young girls here, and many of them spoke honestly about the barriers they encounter from lack of attire, knowledge and school regimes.
Yet none of that seemed to dampen their love for the game.
As we spent time chatting with them between overs and after the match, it was impossible not to be inspired by their stories. They spoke about cricket with the same joy and excitement you see anywhere in the world — the thrill of hitting a boundary, the pride in taking a wicket, and the dream of one day representing their country. Listening to them was a powerful reminder that the passion for cricket truly knows no boundaries.
The smiles throughout the day said everything. It wasn’t just about the match itself; it was about connection. We shared stories, laughs and plenty of cricket tips. The team also had the chance to share some small but meaningful items with the girls — sanitary products, sunglasses and a few other essentials. These might seem like simple things, but they can make a real difference in helping young girls stay involved in sport and feel confident while doing it.
Seeing their reactions — the laughter, the gratitude, the excitement — was something none of us will forget in a hurry.
Earlier in the day, we had experienced a very different but equally memorable moment. The team spent the morning visiting the Nyero Rock Paintings, a place that offered a quiet and reflective start to the day. Surrounded by ancient artwork etched into the rock, it was easy to feel connected to the history and stories of the region. The calm atmosphere gave us a chance to pause, take it all in and appreciate the incredible places cricket can take you.
That sense of reflection carried into the afternoon. Days like this remind you that touring isn’t just about training sessions. It’s about people, culture and experiences that stay with you long after the trip ends.
And the journey continues tomorrow.
We’re looking forward to visiting ten schools, where we’ll get the chance to see even more girls playing cricket and embracing the game with the same enthusiasm we saw today. If today is anything to go by, there will be plenty more smiles, plenty more stories and, hopefully, plenty more young girls inspired to pick up a bat and ball.
Alice
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