51-year-old spinner makes history with record-breaking five-wicket haul

Isle of Man off-spinner Joanna Hicks made international cricket history at the age of 51 years and 173 days by claiming a five-wicket haul—the oldest such feat in men’s and women’s cricket.

Hicks took 5-10 against Greece Women in a T20 match at Moara Vlasiei Cricket Ground in Romania, dismantling the Greek batting line-up as they were bowled out for just 52 in 15 overs.

Isle of Man chased down the modest target inside the powerplay, losing only one wicket. But it was Hicks’ remarkable spell that dominated the headlines.

Before Hicks, the record for the oldest player to take five wickets in an international innings belonged to Australian spin great Bert Ironmonger. He was 49 years and 314 days old when he claimed 5-34 against South Africa in the Melbourne Test in 1932.

Ironmonger actually took five or more wickets in both innings of that match, claiming five in the first and six in the second. He retired from international cricket in 1933 at the age of 50 years and 327 days after playing 14 Tests.

Hicks had already established herself as the oldest woman to claim an international five-wicket haul. In 2024, aged 49 years and 168 days, she took two five-wicket hauls against Greece and Malta within six days.

Her latest performance has now taken that record to another level, making Hicks the oldest player—male or female—to claim a five-wicket haul in international cricket.