Betty Archdale, born on this day in 1907, was an exceptional woman. Born in London, she studied political science and Law, was part of WRNS during the World War II and spent last 54 years of her life in Australia bringing educational reforms.
She was also a popular figure in TV and radio with her charming personality. And along with all these she also played cricket and was one of the key individuals to bring women’s cricket in the forefront.
The 1932-33 Ashes was marred by the controversy of the ‘Bodyline’ series. Although England regained the Ashes the relationship between them and Australia was in all time low due to the tactics of the fast bouncers at the body, planned by the captain Douglas Jardine and executed by Harold Larwood and Bill Vose.
However, the relationships improved significantly when the first British women’s team reached the Australian shores to play cricket. Betty Archdale was the captain of that team and led a successful tour in both on and off the field. On the field, the English women enjoyed a 2-0 series win with key contribution from Archdale in first and third Test.
Even, off the field, her honest but engaging personality ensured that she could connect with the Australian public who also responded to her much lovingly compared to the reception Jardine got in the previous men’s tour.
Archdale played only five Tests for England as by that time she was already engaged in various other activities. She was a member of Woman’s Royal Naval Service and received an ‘Order of the British Empire’ after the war.
The Australian public did make a lasting impression on her as she moved Down Under in 1946 as the Principal of Sydney University’s Women’s College, a role she maintained for 10 years. In 1958, she became the headmistress of the private girls school Abbotsleigh in Wahroonga, Sydney.
During those 12 years in charge, she revolutionized the school outlook and curriculum to bring more modern subjects like sex education and inspired generations in their mental and cultural growth.
Archdale was a popular figure even in her late years and was listed as ‘National Living Treasure’ in Australia in 1997. Another huge honour came in 1999 for Archdale when she became one of the first 10 female honorary life members of MCC along with other key figures of the women’s game like Rachael Heyhoe Flint, Edna Barker, and Audrey Collins.
For a long period of time, women’s cricket failed to generate much interest among common public. Although the scenario has improved a lot and now names like Heather Knight, Ellyse Perry and Mithali Raj are well-known, individuals like Archdale actually ensured that there was a beginning and carried the flag passionately during those days of relative obscurity.