Australia women's player honoured

All the talk may be about Sir Ian Botham's knighthood, but a women's cricketer has been recognised for her efforts, too. Mary Loy (nee Allitt) has won an honour in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Loy, a former Australian captain, has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division. She wins the award - at the age of 81 - for her commitment to the game.

She made her Test debut in 1951, against England in Scarborough, and went on to represent her country in 11 Tests in all, including three as captain in 1963. She had a highest Test score of 76. State-wise, she represented New South Wales.

But once she retired from playing, she really came into her own. She used the benefit of her experience to play an exceptional role in the development and support for children within her local community in Riverina, New South Wales.