Brittin was ‘a class act and true inspiration’

TRIBUTES have poured in from across the cricketing world this week after the death of Jan Brittin – England’s leading Test run scorer – at the age of only 58.

The flag at the Oval was flown at half mast for Surrey’s clash with Yorkshire as a mark of respect for Brittin – after she lost her battle with cancer.

Brittin made her England debut back in 1979 and amassed 1,935 Test runs and 2,121 ODI runs in a career that spanned 19 years.

In that time the women’s game came on leaps and bounds, laying the foundation for the professional game that we see before us.

Indeed Charlotte Edwards, who took Brittin’s one-day run record but never surpassed her Test haul, called her an ‘idol growing up, so calm, elegant, determined and very modest. Simply one of the best’.

Brittin top-scored with 48 in England’s 1993 World Cup final win against New Zealand at Lord’s – and also took the winning catch in a tournament she finished as the leading run-getter.

And the ECB director of England Women’s Cricket Clare Connor also hailed the trail-blazing Brittin.

“JB was was one of the most quiet and unassuming cricketers you could meet, but she was pure class,” she said.

“An outstanding cricketer and a truly lovely person. In a year when England have again won the World Cup at Lord’s, we should not forget the huge contribution JB made to the development and success of women’s cricket in this country.

“For girls of my generation she was our first real female role model. She batted with grace and timing – a classical opener, so beautiful to watch. She was also a brilliantly athletic cover fielder.”

Surrey Director of Women’s Cricket Ebony Rainford-Brent added: “JB was such an inspiration to me and many others growing up who were able to watch or play with one of the greatest female cricketers of all-time.

“As a character she was fun, engaging and always generous in her knowledge, particularly when she gave back as a coach later in her career.”