Heyhoe-Flint and Stichbury join ECB board

The England and Wales Cricket Board has announced that its board has been expanded in size from twelve to fourteen members - and will for the first time include two women directors.

The former England women's captain Rachael Heyhoe-Flint has been appointed as the women's game representative while Jane Stichbury, former Chief Constable of Dorset, will be an independent director.

In addition, Yorkshire Chairman Colin Graves will join the board after his nomination was unopposed. He will fill a position which was made vacant by the retirement of the Surrey Chairman David Stewart.

"I am delighted that Jane and Rachael have been nominated to serve on our Board," said ECB Chairman Giles Clarke. "Rachael was an outstanding captain of England women and has worked tirelessly on behalf of cricket for many years - particularly for the Lady Taverners.

"Jane was the first woman to be appointed as one of Her Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary and her knowledge and experience will be invaluable."

Heyhoe-Flint epitomised English women's cricket during her playing career, and continued to promote the sport through her strong media presence and personality after her retirement. One of the first women admitted to the MCC, in 2004 she became the first woman elected to the full committee.

"It's an enormous honour for us both to be the first women to be nominated to serve on the ECB's Board," added Heyhoe-Flint. "I am very keen to continue my involvement in the administration of the game and to help maintain the very significant progress the women's game has made in recent years."