Image Credit- Getty
After being selected to stand in two matches in
November, Claire Polosak and Eloise Sheridan will make history in Australian
cricket by becoming the first female umpires to preside in the Sheffield
Shield.
In Australia, both umpires have presided over Marsh
Cup and BBL games involving males, but no female umpire has ever presided over
a Shield game. In a match between Glamorgan and Derbyshire in the LV= Insurance
County Championship that took place in Cardiff in September, Sue Redfern of
England became the first female umpire to take the stand.
“I am very much looking forward to standing in
the Sheffield Shield match at the WACA Ground,” Polosak said.
“Just like players, umpires are always working
towards opportunities at higher honours, and this is undoubtedly another step
forward on the pathway for umpires. Thank you to Cricket Australia, Cricket NSW
and the NSW Cricket Umpires’ and Scorers’ Association for their support.
“I’d especially like to extend my appreciation to
the countless umpiring colleagues that I have had the pleasure to stand with. I
have learned from every single one of them and this appointment is standing on
their shoulders.”
Sheridan made her women’s Test debut in the 2022 Ashes
and umpired in the Women’s ODI World Cup in 2022 and the Women’s T20 World Cup
in 2023.
“I am excited to be making my men’s first-class
debut and honoured to be doing so in the same round as Claire,” Sheridan
said.
“This is a significant moment for umpiring in
Australia, and hopefully we can continue to break down barriers for those who
come after us. It also provides a great opportunity for others to recognise the
important role that umpires play in the game and it might inspire a few budding
umpires to join the team.
“I am proud that my hard work has resulted in
this opportunity and excited to see what the future holds in my umpiring
career. I am really grateful to the support from Cricket Australia and SACA
along the way, as well as my family and friends.”