Oz star hits century between breastfeeds

Providing inspiration to supermoms the world over, Australian cricketer Sarah Elliott has revealed she scored her debut international century in the women's Ashes Test against England in between breastfeeding her nine-month old son during the lunch and tea breaks.

Last Sunday, Elliott batting for five hours on the first day of the Test to end on 95 at stumps, after having woken up four times the previous night to feed her son. Her husband, Rob, then took over baby-care duties the next night so she could come back and complete her ton.

Sarah was back in the gym just since six weeks after giving birth to Sam, according to people at her cricket club in Dandenong, Victoria.

Australia's men's cricket team, which has struggled woefully in its Ashes campaign, would do well to pay heed to the weary mom's amazing juggling act.

As the only member of Australia's squad not under contract and not included in the squad for the following ODIs, Sarah probably had a point to prove, according to the Guardian. "It's great to make the most of what might be my only opportunity," she told the paper.

The Guardian quoted Kelly Applebee, captain of the VicSpirit one-day cricket team who has played with Elliott since her teens, as saying that the 31-year-old's concentration and work ethic, coupled with her determination, was something to be marvelled at.

"I don't have kids myself, but many people have said to me they struggled just to get dressed when their babies were nine months old. So to come out and play cricket for Australia is incredible," Applebee said. "Since she had Sam she has told me she still has a little more in the tank. She always wants to bowl the best and bat the best. She can sometimes be grumpy, though."

"The express pump has become my best friend," Elliot told the Telegraph newspaper. "At the lunch break I quickly run off and express and then I get back out there." This was her first match since she helped Australia win the Ashes in Sydney two years ago. Having made her debut in 2005, Sarah was then diagnosed with blood clots in her lungs.

Applebee said Elliott was so committed to the game that she would live in Victoria for a few months to be near the club, and then go back to Darwin, where her husband works. She said Sarah would have been back in the gym sooner than six weeks after giving birth if her doctor had agreed.

Share it Please

Tweet

Shweta Pandey

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation.