Robin Marlar, 74, took up his post yesterday at the 218-year-old Marylebone Cricket Club, the "guardian of the game's laws and spirit". But today, in an interview with The Sunday Telegraph, he spells out his opposition to mixed-sex teams.
He said: "Did you know that Brighton College are playing girls in their First XI? Girls! I think it's absolutely outrageous. If there's an 18-year-old who can bowl at 80mph and he's been brought up properly then he shouldn't want to hurt a lady at any cost."
Asked what his view would be if a girl bowled at 80mph, he replied: "I'd be asking about whether she's had a sex change."
Holly Colvin and Sarah Taylor, both 16, were chosen to play for Brighton College's First XI this summer. In August Holly became England's youngest women's Test cricketer when she played against Australia at Hove. Last night players and coaches condemned Mr Marlar's comments.
Clare Connor, who in 1993 was the first girl to play for Brighton's First XI and this summer captained England's women to Ashes victory, said Mr Marlar's remarks were "absurd, old-fashioned, and patronising. It is unacceptable to make those comments.
Reproduced by kind permission of the Daily Telegraph.
Original Telegraph article >>
"Fury over MCC president remarks" - BBC Online >>
"GIRLS should be selected to play with boys in first-XI sides at school if they are competent enough to compete with them", John Spencer, the master in charge of cricket at Brighton College, says.
full story from the Times Online >>
RICHARD CABORN, the Sports Minister, has supported Brighton College’s policy to choose girls to play alongside boys in its first XI. After criticism from Robin Marlar, the incoming president of MCC, who believes that they are in danger of being hurt by fast bowlers.
full story from the Times Online >>
Let us have your views on this article. Brighton College and the OBA takes great pride in the sporting achievements of the likes of Holly and Claire - but perhaps you agree with Mr Marlar's comments? Whatever your thoughts, our President would love to hear from you. Please send your comments to: dgold@brightoncollege.net.
The OBA reserves the right to publish any and all correspondence.