Former England women’s cricketer Arran Brindle said she was as “proud as punch” of her son after the pair shared a match-winning century stand in a club game.
Brindle made 134 international appearances for England from 1999-2014, with the 39-year-old scoring unbeaten hundreds in both Test and one-day international formats.
But on Sunday, a player shortage meant she found herself playing for Owmby Trojans – a team she coaches – in the third division of the Lincoln and District League in central England.
They dismissed their opponents, Nettleham CC’s Academy XI, for 141, with Harry Brindle, Arran’s 12-year-old son, taking four wickets.
The mother and son duo then combined to chase down Nettleham’s score, sharing an opening stand of 143 in 32.3 overs to secure a 10-wicket win. Harry scored an unbeaten 32 while his mum finished 94 not out.
Mother and son, 143 run opening partnership from former @englandcricket ⭐️ Arran Brindle and her 12-year-old son Harry.
— FrogBox Live (@Frogboxlive) May 24, 2021
This is what cricket it all about 🥰@FirstTrojans @BBCSport @SkyCricket @cricketdistrict #FrogBox pic.twitter.com/QkNGzGewVt
Is this the first 100 opening partnership by a mum and son in men’s league cricket ??? @BBCSport @bbctms @SkyCricket @henrymoeranBBC @ConnorCricket @C_Edwards23 @SundayLeague13 pic.twitter.com/Lscl2PLIYq
— FirstCricketTrojans (@FirstTrojans) May 23, 2021
“In terms of any experience like that as a parent, you’re as proud as punch,” Brindle told Britain’s PA news agency.
“Because they’ve achieved something – sometimes they put too much expectation on themselves.
“As a parent, whether you’re a mum or a dad, you just want your children to be happy with what they’re doing. At the minute he seems to enjoy it.”
Brindle, asked if Harry had enjoyed batting with his mother, replied: “I think so, he came off and he had a big smile on his face. He did what he needed to do – we rotated the strike (and) he was able to put away the bad balls at the start.”
More of this please. I played against England's Arran Brindle. Watched her young son traveling with her on tours. She played for England after having him, with little official maternity support. Now she's 39 and part of a 100 opening stand in her local league with that same son https://t.co/LRewnEHoU7
— Snehal Pradhan #MaskUp (@SnehalPradhan) May 24, 2021
Love this! Hope Harry’s got the late cut nailed like his mum @brindlecricket https://t.co/xppj4iHwsb
— Heather Knight (@Heatherknight55) May 24, 2021
This is wonderful! What a moment for the family. Lovely knock, 12-year-old Harry and mum, @brindlecricket! https://t.co/2zae7EaEOq
— Ian Bell (@Ian_Bell) May 24, 2021
This makes me so happy... so proud of you both @brindlecricket and Harry 🙌🏼 https://t.co/fz7ga7HyLc
— Charlotte Edwards (@C_Edwards23) May 24, 2021
— hypocaust (@_hypocaust) May 23, 2021
This is so great. Congrats @brindlecricket and Harry 🥰 https://t.co/mrazLw34Ch
— Suzie Bates (@SuzieWBates) May 24, 2021