Rachel Hopkins set to become the first woman skipper for Derbyshire men’s cricket

Rachel Hopkins has created history by becoming the first woman skipper for Derbyshire in more than 250 Years of cricket in Derbyshire in a male-dominated league. She is one of the few female players in the country and now has a team of men to lead. Hopkins who also is the Cricket Development Coach at the Derbyshire Cricket Board, will become the skipper of Sawley & Long Eaton Park Cricket Club 2nd XI.

Recently she was appointed the vice-captain of the Derbyshire women’s side.

During an interview with Cricket Badger she said, “It isn’t an opportunity I thought would come around but, in the committee meeting when I was put forward, I was pleasantly surprised to be honest. When I rock up on a Saturday I’m one of the boys really so it hasn’t really phased me. Having the captaincy role is going to put me outside my comfort zone. It’s going to be tough but I’m looking forward to it.”

The right-hand batswoman and medium pacer has a batting average of 23.42 from 55 matches in limited-overs cricket during her the time she featured in Derbyshire woman’s cricket. She has scored 1171 runs including six fifties. Not to forget her bowling prowess, Hopkins has also taken 43 wickets at an average of 23. She has also played 22 T20 matches scoring 339 runs at 19.94 with one-half century. She has also picked up 14 wickets in the 22 games she has played in.

Hopkins has also made a lot of effort in trying to bring the 2017 Women’s World Cup to Derby.

Sawley & Long Eaton Park Cricket Club Chairman, Andrew James said “Rachel and her family have been a part of this club for many years and she stood out as the obvious choice when we were looking for a second eleven captain.” He also added “Yes, she’s an inspiration for the girls at our club and across Derbyshire, but Rachel can look after herself out in the middle with the blokes. She’s as good at cricketing banter as she is with the bat and ball.”