Catherine McGregor made her debut for Wests-UC in Cricket ACT's women's competition at the ripe old age of 60 on Sunday, but to her age is just a number as a pathway to the Women's Big Bash League opens up.
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McGregor has been touted by Wests-UC coach Mathew McGann as good enough to hold her own at WBBL level and has attracted plenty of attention in her return to cricket.
One of Australia's most well-known transgender women was invited by NSW Breakers captain Alex Blackwell to play in the Breakers Challenge – a possible versus probables match for selection in the state side.
McGregor was eventually deemed ineligible because she hadn't played regular club cricket in Sydney.
But after Cricket Australia "heavies" James Sutherland and Greg Chappell backed her, McGregor has joined Canberra's Wests-UC with a possible path into the WBBL if she "can get a few runs".
"If I'm good enough I might get a game in the WBBL, I put it no stronger than that," McGregor said.
"I don't want to over-egg it, I'm a 60-year-old who is playing cricket for fun basically. I'm a bit surprised at the hype surrounding it to be quite truthful."
"I'd been incredibly careful because I know there is always controversy about trans playing women's sport."
At 60, McGregor never envisaged playing cricket again, but now she has committed to the cause.
"I think CA probably do have some vision for using me in the Big Bash," McGregor said.
"I suspect they're looking at the BBL as a vehicle to encourage wider participation and visibility in cricket.
"I could see that there might be a marquee name aspect to picking me in a Big Bash franchise.
"That would have the value of saying look this person is playing, she's 60, she's trans, don't let anything keep you away from cricket. I know that's the message they're keen to send to young women especially with the Big Bash. I think that's why I could be a wildcard pick if I get lucky.
"I've just got to get some runs and play well now."
