At Oakham School, a tradition of excellence in sports has always been evident. In recent years, a growing presence of female wicketkeepers has emerged, changing the game for future generations of students and moving the spotlight on to one of the more challenging yet influential positions on the team.
Wicketkeeping is regarded as one of the most challenging and demanding roles in cricket. To be involved every ball of the innings means the demands are multifaceted: quick reflexes, an unflinching focus, the ability to make split-second decisions under pressure and incredible levels of fitness required.
We are thrilled that Georgie (F6), Alice (F5), Safi (F2) and Charlotte (F2) are all currently involved in the Leicestershire CCC wicket keeping sessions in their respective age groups, and are all looking forward to the opportunities that they will face in 2025, both for their county and school teams. They join Abby (F6), Rose (F6), Lou (F6), Sophia (F5), Gracie (F4), Emily (F3) & Lexi (F3) as part of the wider Leicestershire CCC winter programme. Never before has Oakham School had so many girls represented in the county cricket programmes, giving further weight to The Blaze Senior Regional Talent Manager, Cain Hamilton-Boyle’s quote, ‘Oakham is fast becoming a genuine place for girls to develop their cricket’.
“I enjoy wicket keeping because you are always involved in the game, and you get the job of watching the field, making sure the aren’t any flaws in the field positions.” – Georgie, Form 6
What has given rise to the interest in wicket keeping? One factor in this surely must be the on-site, inspirational wicketkeeping masterclasses run by former Foxes and England ‘keeper Paul Nixon, which present opportunities for all the wicket keepers at Oakham School as well as the surrounding Rutland Learning Trust Schools. These sessions allow us as a school to give long overdue attention to the role that has such a huge influence in games.
The visibility of a growing number of female wicketkeepers at Oakham is important to maintaining the growth of the role in cricket in our school. Gone are the days when the selection of a wicket keeper was more about who fancies ‘giving it a go’ on the day, and little help or consideration being given to the role during training. Now, we are in a position to be able to give specialist help to develop skills, building better and more reliable ‘keepers. Head of Cricket Development, Tom Fell (OO, Worcestershire CCC & Shropshire CCC) and Rosie Pearson (Leicestershire CCC & Loughborough Uni) both have wicket keeping experience at high levels, and with our keepers having regular opportunities to work with these coaches, it gives the girls the chance to enjoy far more success on the pitch. The presence of these girls in particular behind the stumps has sparked conversation and interest in the role among the students; a fantastic aide for future-proofing the cycle of wicket keepers in the school.
“I really enjoy keeping at school. I feel that in the game it really makes me stay on my toes and alert. I enjoy the precision and time of reaction needed to catch the ball, and love the satisfaction of making a clean catch or the joy of dunning someone out as a team” – Alice, Form 5
Oakham School’s commitment to fostering inclusivity in sports is evident in our continued support for female athletes in all disciplines. With increasing media coverage of women’s cricket and the explosion of opportunities for future professional careers in the game, our wicketkeepers are part of a larger movement to inspire future generations to pursue their passions, regardless of societal and peer group expectations.
Moreover, the girls are redefining what it means to be a role model. By embracing their roles with humility and enthusiasm, they challenge stereotypes and make it clear that strength, intelligence, and perseverance are not bound by gender. The power of their example is reflected in the growing participation in girls’ cricket at Oakham School, and in the confidence they carry with them, both on and off the field.
As Oakham School continues to nurture and develop the next generation of athletes, Georgie, Alice, Safi and Charlotte and other wicket keepers, Lou and Chloe, lead by example and remind us all that the only limits we face are the ones we impose on ourselves. In the years to come, the legacy of Oakham’s female wicketkeepers will continue to inspire. These girls are not just champions of the game; they are leaders, boundary breakers and role models, whose impact reaches all areas of the school.
-Patrick Latham, Director of Cricket-
