Beverly Lang

Born in the town of Ambala in India, Myrtle Ethel Maclagan was a former cricketer who played test matches for England. In 1934, Maclagan was part of the team that played at the first ever women’s test cricket match. While playing for England, Maclagan was regarded as one of the best women player of her time. She was a right armed off-spinner for her team.

In 1934, the England men’s team went in to play The Ashes and lost but the Morning Post carried a front page headline in praise of Maclagan for her skilful display of talents. Maclagan played at the England tour to Australia in 1934-35 and also against the touring Australians in 1937. Post-war, she returned to play when England toured New Zealand and Australia in 1948-49. Again she played for England when Australia visited England in 1951.

All throughout his career, Maclagan has played a total of 14 test matches with a batting average of 41.95. Her bowling averages stand at 15.58 with her best bowling figures at 7 wickets for 10 runs. She has scored 2 centuries and 6 half centuries with top batting score at 119 runs. Maclagan has dismissed 5 batsmen in an innings on 3 occasions.

Besides cricket, she was also good at playing squash, badminton, tennis and even knitting and has won awards for the same on many occasions.

Career Highlights

Maclagan is regarded as one of the best women cricketer of all times.

In 1966, she was awarded with an MBE (Order of the British Empire - Member)