History was made yesterday as over 23,000 children across Yorkshire took part in the UK’s biggest ever schools cricket day..
Morley Cricket Club was a hive of activity on Thursday morning as a Schools Cricket Day event marked ‘50 Days to Go’ until the ICC Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup kicks off.
Leeds’ iconic Headingley Cricket Ground – the scene of so many historic moments in the sport – will host five fixtures in the eagerly-awaited tournament this summer.
On Thursday, over 23,000 children across Yorkshire picked up a bat and ball as schools came together for the biggest single day of cricket participation the country has ever seen.
This included five schools and over fifty children also joining a dedicated session hosted by Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC) at Morley Cricket Club.
Alongside lessons and activities, schoolteachers received training to help them become cricket ‘activators’, empowering them to bring cricket to their local communities in the long term.
Australia and Yorkshire CCC star Jess Jonassen attended the event and told Leeds Living: “I think an event like this here in Morley is really vital in getting out into the local community.
It’s no different to if I was back in Australia and visiting different clubs there to promote the game of cricket.
Cricket is the lifeblood of Yorkshire and it’s been great to see so many kids enjoying themselves on Schools Cricket Day.”
ICC Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup gets underway on 12th June at Edgbaston before Headingley hosts five fixtures starting from Saturday 13th June, kicking off with Australia vs Bangladesh, followed by India vs Netherlands just four hours later.
All-rounder Jonassen joined Yorkshire on a two-year contract ahead of their inaugural season in Tier One in 2026 and linked up with the squad last month.
Jonassen, whose left-arm spin bowling can be utilised anywhere across an innings, has an array of international honours, having won five T20 World Cups and one ODI World Cup with Australia, with a career best return of 5-12 in WIT20’s.
The Queensland native, who remains one of the pre-eminent players in world cricket, has captained Brisbane Heat in the WBBL and stands as the most successful bowler in BBL history, both women and men.
She added: “There’s a real buzz about any World Cup and you can sense that here in Leeds ahead of the tournament.
All the work and preparation from all teams will come to fruition in 50 days’ time as the best teams in the world go up against each other.
Playing at Headingley is always special and I know they will really get behind whoever is playing there because they just love cricket.
And that’s what I love about playing here in England – everyone is so passionate about the game, especially here in Yorkshire.
I’m loving living here in Leeds and am looking forward to exploring it more.
I haven’t had chance to venture out too many times just yet because we’ve had some pretty big away trips.
But I’m based here until mid-September, during The Hundred as well, and have had some really good recommendations about places to go.
I’m looking forward to getting out and visiting a few more places locally and a bit further afield.”
Tickets are selling fast and fans can catch the spirit of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 when it comes to the Headingley Cricket Ground and be part of history by buying tickets here: tickets.womens.t20worldcup.com/