England, Kent & Hayes star Lydia Greenway, is among the names recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Lydia, a two-time World Cup winner and four-time Ashes winner who played 225 times for England country, receives an OBE.
Lydia, in an interview with the ECB said: “It’s an amazing honour to receive, and I was really surprised to receive it. It’s just a really nice thing to experience. I’ve always tried to enjoy my cricket and share my enjoyment of the game with other people, and I’m very proud to be recognised in this way.”
The Club is incredibly proud of this achievement and sends their congratulations to Lydia and of course, Rita, Martin, Emma and Adam.
Lydia started playing cricket in an era when women’s cricket was not as popular as it is today – she made her Hayes debut in our U13 boys’ team before going onto have a stellar career and has played an immense role in establishing women’s cricket in this country.
Since her retirement from playing in 2016, she has established herself as one of the leading broadcasters and her insightful analysis brings through her love of the game.
Lydia has also been involved in coaching academies and her “cricket for girls” initiative has proved a great success.
Commenting on Lydia’s OBE – and that of MBE’s to Adil Rashid and Sam Curran, ECB Chair Richard Thompson said: “I would like to congratulate Lydia, Adil, Sam and Tony on behalf of cricket fans across England and Wales.
“They have all dedicated themselves to cricket, and in the cases of Lydia, Adil and Sam, represented our country with distinction on the biggest stage of them all.
“They have all given back to the community, and are tremendous role-models for anyone wishing to pursue a career in our game.”
She was last at Hayes last weekend and although she now lives in Loughborough, she is a popular visitor to the club.
We look forward to bringing you pictures of Lydia’s visit to the Palace – and Rita’s new hat!
Congratulations!
