Ebony switched from bowling to batting after suffering a serious back injury that forced her to stop playing. Batting was less strenuous on her back, allowing her to continue her cricket career despite the injury.
Ebony founded the African-Caribbean Engagement Programme (ACE) to improve diversity in cricket by building grassroots programmes for young people in black communities across the UK. This initiative was inspired by her own experiences and the lack of representation she faced in the sport.
The tragic loss of her eldest brother when she was five deeply impacted Ebony. She threw herself into sports as a way to cope with the emotional pain and confusion, using it as an outlet to run away from the grief and challenges at home.
Ebony found the transition from player to commentator challenging at times, especially during big moments like World Cup finals when she wished she could still be on the field. However, she embraced the role, enjoying the camaraderie and connection with listeners, and found it a fulfilling way to stay involved in cricket.
Ebony chose to share her experiences of racism in cricket during the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020 because she felt it was a crucial moment to address systemic issues. She hoped to spark change and create a more inclusive environment in the sport, despite the personal risk to her career.
Ebony's mother was a significant support in her cricket career, working night shifts to take her to games and even helping her practice by throwing balls and setting up makeshift training equipment. Her mother’s sacrifices and encouragement were instrumental in Ebony’s success.
Ebony’s resilience was shaped by overcoming numerous challenges, including a serious back injury, racism, and personal tragedies. These experiences taught her to bounce back, adapt, and pursue her goals despite setbacks, which she now sees as one of her greatest strengths.
Ebony’s World Cup victory in 2009 was a turning point for women’s cricket, bringing it to the forefront of public attention. It helped elevate the sport, leading to increased visibility, packed stadiums, and more opportunities for women in cricket, both on and off the field.
Former cricketer Ebony Rainford-Brent is the first Black woman to play for England and she was part of the team which won the Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2009. Today she is a broadcaster and cricket commentator for Channel 4, Sky Sports and the BBC’s Test Match Special.
Ebony was born in south London and as a child it was football that caught her attention, especially Liverpool FC and her hero Robbie Fowler. At primary school she was encouraged to have a go at cricket through a charity called Cricket For Change which was set up to encourage more state school children into the sport. Holding a bat in her hands for the first time, she hit the ball as hard as she could and, as she watched it soar through the air, she was hooked.
Ebony started out playing for Surrey Cricket Club’s Under 11’s team as a bowler. In 2003 a serious back injury forced her to stop playing and she thought her sporting career was over. She was determined to prove the medics wrong so she retrained as a batswoman as batting was easier on her back.
In 2007 she made her debut for England and two years later was part of the World Cup-winning team. In 2020 Ebony joined forces with Surrey Cricket Club and founded the African-Caribbean Engagement Programme (ACE) to build grassroots cricket programmes for young people in black communities across the UK. In 2021 she was awarded an MBE for her services to cricket and charity.
DISC ONE: Cold Sweat - James Brown DISC TWO: Girlie Girlie - Sophia George DISC THREE: Pass Me Over - Anthony Hamilton DISC FOUR: A Long Walk - Jill Scott DISC FIVE: Rock Steady - Aretha Franklin DISC SIX: Never Forget - Take That DISC SEVEN: Superheroes - Stormzy DISC EIGHT: Work To Do - The Isley Brothers BOOK CHOICE: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho LUXURY ITEM: A drum kit CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: A Long Walk - Jill Scott
Presenter Lauren Laverne Producer Paula McGinley