Our Story
This book began as a simple idea — a way to celebrate the people who make cricket what it is. It’s grown into something much more: a collection of stories, memories, and moments that capture the true spirit of the game.
Gill, a former Yorkshire and England player and her friend Neil, a talented photographer, set out to gather voices from every corner of the game — from professionals and club players to umpires, scorers, fans, and administrators.
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Over 160 people have now shared their stories and stood in front of Neil’s lens and we're thrilled to have such a wide range of contributors. Their words have made us laugh, smile, and occasionally shed a tear. We hope this collection does the same for you.
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What Cricket Means to Me is our small way of giving something back. Through these stories and photographs, we hope to raise both funds and awareness for the Cricketers' Trust and the Yorkshire Past Players and Development Fund — and to celebrate the bonds, memories, and friendships that make cricket so much more than just a game.
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Gill Smith
Gill Smith first picked up a bat on the beach at Sandsend, near Whitby, North Yorkshire in 1975 — playing cricket with her dad and the family dog, Cindy. Little did she know that ten years later she would be representing Yorkshire Women in the County Championships, followed by six seasons with Middlesex after moving to London. Her Dad hated that. This was the man that moved house three times to remain a Yorkshireman – making sure he wasn’t caught by the government boundary changes to firstly Teesside and then Cleveland ensuring he remained in North Yorkshire. Playing for Middlesex wasn’t the done thing!
In 1986, Gill achieved a lifelong dream when she was selected to play for England, making her debut in a Test and One Day International series against India. Over the next seven years, her left-arm medium-pace bowling took her around the world, competing at the highest level of the women’s game. She was fortunate enough to play in two World Cup Finals, including the unforgettable 1993 victory at Lord’s. Now that did make Dad proud.
Remarkably, Gill still holds the world record for the best One Day International bowling average — though, as she modestly says, “the game has changed a bit since then.”
For Gill, cricket was never just about playing the game — it gave her friendships that have lasted a lifetime, memories she’ll always treasure, and a community that feels like home. The game shaped who she is, on and off the field, and she remains deeply thankful for the people, the laughter, and the sense of belonging it continues to bring.
Neil Brinsdon
Neil Brindon took the opportunity in 2014 to pursue his passion for photography after a successful career in the financial services industry. A keen sportsman, he captained the school cricket team before his love for football took him into coaching at a grassroots level.
Neil's interest in cricket continued at a distance with a visit to Trent Bridge during the famous 1981 Ashes series and, since then, he has been an armchair viewer of cricket in all its forms.
December 2021 saw the launch of Neil's first book Beyond The Mask, Through The Lens a unique, poignant insight into the impact of Covid-19 through the eyes of friends, former colleagues and his local community in Northumberland. A number of other joint book collaborations followed culminating in the launch of What Football Means To Me in 2023.
Neil's passion for photography has developed into telling the stories of many remarkable people in both images and words, a very unique and heartwarming format.
