Isle of Man cricketer Joanne Hicks has become the oldest bowler in international cricket history to claim a five-wicket haul at the age of 51, surpassing a record held since 1932.
- Joanne Hicks, aged 51 years and 173 days, is the first bowler in international cricket to take a five-wicket haul after turning 50.
- She recorded career-best figures of 5 for 10 against Greece in a Women's T20I.
- She broke a 96-year-old record previously held by Australian legend Bert Ironmonger.
In a stunning display of longevity and skill, Joanne Hicks of the Isle of Man has rewritten the history books. At the age of 51 years and 173 days, Hicks achieved what no other male or female cricketer has done in the international arena: taking a five-wicket haul after the age of 50. This feat was accomplished during a match against Greece at the Moara Vlasiei Cricket Ground in Romania.
A Masterclass in Spin Bowling
Hicks, a right-arm off-spinner, dismantled the Greek batting lineup with surgical precision. Her devastating spell saw Greece bundled out for a meager 52 runs in just 15 overs. Hicks finished with career-best figures of 5 for 10, effectively ending the contest before the Powerplay could even conclude. The Isle of Man chased down the target with nine wickets to spare, thanks largely to her clinical performance.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that Hicks' achievement is a monumental milestone in the evolution of women's international cricket. Having made her international debut at the relatively late age of 47, her ability to reach peak performance at 51 highlights an extraordinary level of fitness and technical mastery. She has not only shattered age barriers but has also brought significant global attention to Isle of Man cricket.
Joanne Hicks' performance is a testament to the fact that passion and precision know no age limit in professional sports.
This historic moment effectively ended a nearly century-long wait for a new record holder. Previously, the record for the oldest bowler to take a five-wicket haul in international cricket was held by Australia's Bert Ironmonger, who achieved his feat in 1932 at the age of 49 years and 314 days.
Historical Comparison: Hicks vs. Ironmonger
| Player Name | Age | Achievement | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joanne Hicks | 51y 173d | 5 Wickets (T20I) | 2026 |
| Bert Ironmonger | 49y 314d | 5 Wickets (Test) | 1932 |
Hicks has been on an incredible run of form. In a span of just six days in 2024, she had already secured two five-wicket hauls against Greece and Malta, making her the oldest woman to record such a feat at the time (49 years old). Her current performance cements her legacy as one of the most resilient cricketers in the modern era.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Who is Joanne Hicks?
Answer: Joanne Hicks is an international cricketer representing the Isle of Man who recently became the oldest bowler to take a 5-wicket haul in international cricket.
Question 2: Against which team did she achieve this record?
Answer: She achieved this milestone against the Greece Women's team in a T20I match.
