Clare Connor

Captain since January 2000 and has led England's revival since the World Cup later that year, with the highlight coming with the Ashes success in 2005.

Was in charge for the two one-day series victories against South Africa in 2003 and 2004 and the ODI series win at home to world champions New Zealand in the summer of 2004.

Also guided England to third place in the World Championship Cup in New Zealand (winter 2002/3).

Has consistently been one of England’s leading wicket-takers, combined with exciting match-winning innings in the middle order.

Made her senior Test and ODI debut against India in 1995, took a televised hat-trick against India at Northampton in 1999 and was Vodafone England Player of the Year in 2002.

A qualified English teacher with a degree from Manchester University, Clare has worked as a summariser with Channel 4 on their award-winning cricket programme and was also a columnist for The Observer.

Opens the batting for and captains Sussex, who won the Frizzell Women’s County Championship in 2003, and Brighton & Hove LCC.

Was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours in June 2004 for her services to women’s cricket.

Played in both the 1997 and 2000 World Cups and continued as skipper for the 2005 tournament in South Africa.

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Made an impressive start when England began their warm-up games, making scores of 53 not out and 85 not out against South Africa and 46 against Gauteng/NW Women.

The opening match of the tournament against Australia was abandoned due to rain but Connor's 54 from 47 balls helped England beat Sri Lanka in the second group fixture.

An unbeaten 82 saw off the challenge of Ireland (she also picked up 2-14), while a defiant 35 was not enough to prevent defeat against favourites Australia in the first semi-final.

Connor returned to international action in the summer of 2005 for the visit of the formidable Australians.

It proved to be an historic period for the England side as they won the Ashes with their first Test series victory over Australia since 1963.

England took the two-match series 1-0 and Connor played a crucial role in securing a draw in the first Test with scores of 41 and 21 and second-innings bowling figures of 4-68.

She followed that with scores of 37 and 13 in the second Test. Her second-innings 13 proved crucial as England chased down a low total to take victory.

Prior to the second Test, England ended their 12-year wait for a win against Australia with a thrilling two-run victory at Stratford in the NatWest Women's Series.

They eventually lost the series 3-2 but Connor was England's leading wicket-taker with eight at 22 runs apiece.

The Ashes success saw Connor pick up another trophy as her side were named winners of the team prize at The Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year awards.

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Connor almost enjoyed double success when she finished second in the individual awards behind Zara Phillips but ahead of the likes of Dame Ellen MacArthur and Paula Radcliffe.

Was rested for the 2005 tour to Sri Lanka and India due to a chronic ankle problem but the year ended on a high when she was awarded an OBE in the New Year's Honours List.

Announced her international retirement in March 2006.

Appointed to ICC women's cricket committee in 2008 and full committee in 2009.