Clare to be MCC chief

Former England captain Clare Connor is set to become the first female president of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in its 233-year history as she was named on Wednesday to replace current chief Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka when he steps down next year.

The nomination of Connor, who is currently the ECB's managing director of women's cricket, was announced by Sangakkara himself via video during Wednesday's Annual General Meeting.

Connor will take up the post on October 1 next year, pending approval by the Club's Members, as Sangakkara has been invited to remain in the role for a second twelve-month tenure due to the impact of COVID19 on the cricketing landscape.

"I am deeply honoured to be named the next President of MCC. Cricket has enriched my life so deeply already, and now it hands me this wonderful privilege," said Connor, who was made an Honorary Life Member of MCC in 2009.

"We often need to look back to see how far we've come. I made my first visit to Lord's as a starry-eyed, cricket-obsessed 9 year-old girl at a time when women were not welcome in the Long Room. Times have changed.

"Now I find myself entrusted with this remarkable opportunity - the opportunity to play a part in helping MCC, cricket's most influential club, to thrive and grow in an even more modern and inclusive future."

Connor made her England debut in 1995 at the age of 19, and took over the captaincy in 2000, leading England at Lord's against Australia a year later.

An all-rounder who bowled left-arm spin, Connor led England women to their first Ashes triumph in 42 years, overseeing a 1-0 series win in 2005.

The Ashes win was the culmination of her six-year stint as captain of her country, retiring from the game shortly thereafter.