SUE Redfern is to become the first female umpire to stand in a men’s first-class match in England and Wales.

Redfern will umpire Glamorgan’s County Championship match against Derbyshire at Sophia Gardens, starting on Tuesday.
Capped 21 times by England in the 1990s, Redfern has since become a trailblazing figure for female umpires.

“It has been an ambition of mine for a long time and, while it is a new challenge that will test me, I know that I am ready for it,” she said.
“I have worked hard to earn this opportunity and I look forward to taking the next step in my career. I hope my journey can also be an inspiration to others.”

Cardiff is also where Redfern made history two years ago by becoming the first female umpire to officiate in a home England men’s match, when she was the fourth umpire in a T20 against Sri Lanka.

Earlier this summer, she became the first female to umpire in a T20 Blast match when she officiated the game between Gloucestershire and Middlesex.

Redfern has also umpired at global tournaments including the 2022 Commonwealth Games, three ICC Women’s T20 World Cups and two ICC Women’s World Cups.

She was named in the Professional Umpires’ Team last year, enabling her to umpire in first-class cricket in England.(BBC Sport)