Norma Jean Izard, OBE (née Preston; 9 September 1933 – 30 December 2023) was an English cricketer.[1][2][3] She is the longest-serving manager, having managed the England women's cricket team from 1984, in 12 international tours, before stepping down in 1993.[1][3]
Early life edit
Izard was born in Beckenham, the only child of William and Olive Preston.[4] Her father was a cricketer for Cornwall.[5] She was educated at Beckenham Grammar School, and then attended Dartford College of Physical Education (now part of University of Greenwich).
Career edit
At seventeen Izard played for Kent, and the club, Kent Nomads. She then became a teacher of physical education. She was the manager of England women's cricket team between 1984 and 1993. Izard is the longest-serving senior England cricket manager, managing 12 international tours before stepping down, after England won the 1993 World Cup.
Izard was one of the first ten women admitted to the MCC in 1999,[6] as an honorary life member. She served as the last ever president of the Women's Cricket Association (WCA) from 1994 to 1998, overseeing the eventual merger with the English Cricket Board (ECB).
Charity edit
Izard was a member of the Lady Taverners charity and a trustee of Chance to Shine.
Death edit
Izard died on 30 December 2023, at the age of 90.[7]
Honours and awards edit
Izard was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to women's cricket in the Queen's 1995 Birthday Honours.[8]
References edit
- ^ a b "Let there be Ashes". thecricketmonthly.com. The Cricket Monthly. Archived from the original on 28 October 2018. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
- ^ "MCC women join the men after 200 years". The Guardian. 17 March 1999. Archived from the original on 28 October 2018. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
- ^ a b "UK MCC delivers first 10 maidens". news.bbc.co.uk. BBC News. Archived from the original on 8 July 2018. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
- ^ Raf Nicholson (17 January 2024). "Norma Izard obituary". The Guardian. Retrieved 7 April 2024.
- ^ "The no-nonsense matriarch of England women's evolution". ESPNcricinfo. Archived from the original on 28 October 2018. Retrieved 25 October 2018.
- ^ "MCC delivers first 10 maidens". Archived from the original on 19 July 2004.
- ^ Nicholson, Raf (17 January 2024). "Norma Izard obituary". The Guardian. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
- ^ "The United Kingdom". The London Gazette. 1st supplement: 1–32. 16 June 1995.