Hough has scored domestic and international fixtures including the 2017 Cricket World Cup, but it was Etwall in Derbyshire where she first discovered the sport.
“My husband played so I went along with him one day when we were still going out,” she said. “I was quite adamant I was not doing cricket teas.”
But after the team’s scorer was due to be away on holiday, Hough learned to score to cover her absence.
“There were no computers involved, there were no tablets, there were no iPhones, it was all done on paper,” she said.
“And this game of cricket that I had never really known about, suddenly came alive – the runs, the good bowling, the great catching, the fours, the sixes, the run outs, and suddenly it was like this is why people like this sport.
“Perhaps I’m a cricketer crying to get out, but I started way too late to be able to play at any higher level, so for me to be able to represent my country by scoring a women’s Test match is a way that I can play internationally almost.”
Derbyshire Cricket Foundation said: “Jane has been a familiar and respected face in the scorer’s box across Derbyshire for many years, dedicating countless hours with the Association of Cricket Officials to support scoring education in recreational cricket before progressing to score for the Derbyshire County Cricket Club first team.
“Her dedication, professionalism and passion for the game have now seen her involved on one of the biggest stages in women’s cricket. Everyone at Derbyshire is incredibly proud.”
