Cricketing Granny Makes History: Sally Barton Becomes Oldest International Player
In addition to cricket, Barton keeps fit by playing football, badminton, cycling, walking, Dark chocolate is the secret to her longevity
A grandmother of three has made history as the oldest ever international cricketer, with plans to "play as long as possible."
Sally Barton, a wicketkeeper, debuted for Gibraltar in their second T-20 international against Estonia at the age of 66 years and 334 days.
"The words 'too old' just aren’t in my vocabulary," Barton told BBC Sport. "I never thought I would play international cricket in my sixties, but it goes to show that you should not let anyone tell you it is time to stop playing sports."
Barton surpassed the previous record for an International Cricket Council (ICC) sanctioned match, which was held by Portugal’s Akbar Saiyad. Saiyad, born in Mozambique, was 66 years and 12 days old when he played a T20 for Portugal against Finland in 2012.
The three-match series between ICC Associate members Gibraltar and Estonia, won 3-0 by Gibraltar, was the first time the British Overseas Territory had played a women’s T20 international.
Barton is nearly three decades older than Gibraltar’s next most senior player, with some teammates still in their teens.
"We play on an artificial pitch in Gibraltar, so the bounce can make wicketkeeping tricky at times, but I’ve developed my unique style," she said. "I might not be as fast as I used to be, but my endurance is still there. My overriding memory of my debut, though, is the efforts of my teammates to get that win."
Barton did not bat in the match at the Europa Sports Complex, which Gibraltar won convincingly by 128 runs, but performed solidly behind the stumps.
London-born Barton credits her parents, from Yorkshire and Lancashire, and her twin brothers for fostering an early interest in cricket. Barton moved to Gibraltar in 2020 after her husband, Ian Tarrant, an Anglican priest, was appointed Dean of Gibraltar. She began playing regularly in the men’s domestic league.
In addition to cricket, Barton keeps fit by playing football, badminton, cycling, and walking. She also has a secret to her longevity.
"Two squares of dark chocolate," Barton revealed. "I think it’s good for the brain, good for the heart, and actually keeps the weight off because you’re not tempted to nibble on anything else."
