Headingley TV date for cricket umpire Joanne Ibbotson

Jo will be an an on-field official for the clash between Northern Super Chargers and Oval Invincibles in The Hundred at Leeds.

Then, on Monday, she will be on duty at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff for Welsh Fire against Trent Rockets.

“I’ve done The Hundred for the last two years but just as fourth umpire. This time I will be actually on the field,” said Jo, who also umpires women’s professional games and in the Yorkshire Southern Premier League.

“I’m chuffed to bits and I just wish my dad was here to see it because he used to umpire.”

Jo has come a long way in the five years since she took up umpiring when her son, Harvey, played for Wath.

Not wanting to do the teas, she instead offered her services as an umpire and went through her training.

“I just thought I would do my 16 games a season to help Wath Cricket Club and it has snowballed from there,” added Jo.

“This is my sixth season and it just shows that women can do what the men can do. I am the only female in the YSPL at the moment.

“The young guns have got their ICC appointments but I’m happy with what’s given. I’ve done more than I ever expected.

“It’s just one step at a time. I’m at the top end age wise, at 51, but if it proves anyone can do it then that’s the main thing at any age.”