Rosa Simkin, the 2026 recipient of the MCC Female Young Broadcaster of the Year award, experienced the pinnacle of her competition prize when she joined Sky Sports’ live broadcast team for The Hundred final at Lord’s on Sunday. At just 18 years old, Rosa stepped onto the iconic ground and contributed to the high‑profile coverage of both the women’s and men’s finals, delivering quick‑fire interviews during the innings break. She spoke with Trent Rockets captain Georgia Adams and Manchester Super Giants bowler Noor Ahmad, capturing their reactions as each side ultimately lifted their respective trophies. Beyond the on‑field interviews, Rosa also produced short highlight reels for Sky Sports Cricket’s digital platforms and created content for Lord’s official Instagram account.
Her behind‑the‑scenes footage gave viewers a glimpse into a typical day for a young broadcaster working alongside seasoned professionals. The experience not only showcased her interviewing skills but also demonstrated her ability to craft engaging social‑media stories that resonate with cricket fans.
Earlier in the week, Rosa visited Sky’s headquarters in Osterley, where she received a hands‑on introduction to the mechanics of live sports production. She toured the Sky Sports News studios, observed how cricket coverage is directed from the studio control room, and learned about the various technical elements that keep a live broadcast running smoothly.
The visit culminated in a one‑on‑one conversation with Jo Osborne, Sky’s head of women’s sport, who offered valuable advice on navigating a career in sports media. Rosa then participated in a final preparation session with the cricket production team, rehearsing cues and reviewing graphics ahead of the live event.
The MCC Young Female Broadcaster competition, now in its third year, is backed by Sky Sports and the women‑focused cricket charity Take Her Lead. Its mission is to broaden pathways for young women who aspire to careers in sports broadcasting, while identifying and nurturing the next generation of female talent in cricket commentary and production. This year’s contest attracted a record 50 entries, the highest number since its inception.
The judging panel—comprising Sky Sports director of cricket and NFL Bryan Henderson, MCC chief marketing officer Katie Maier, Take Her Lead founder and former England cricketer Isa Guha, and veteran broadcasters Alison Mitchell and Georgie Heath—praised the overall quality of the showreels and unanimously selected Rosa as the winner. Rosa is currently studying journalism at Cardiff University and hails from Warwickshire. Her passion for cricket was sparked at the age of nine when her sister Mae took her to Edgbaston to watch the Warwickshire County Cricket Club in action.
By sixteen, she had earned her ECB media accreditation and launched her own platform, Rosa Talks Ball, while still in school. She later co‑hosted and produced the weekly "Two Tiers Deep" podcast with Northamptonshire bowler Chloe Hill, a series that delves into every tier of the women’s game. In addition, she founded TIERED, the first monthly magazine dedicated exclusively to women’s county cricket, further cementing her role as a proactive advocate for the sport. Reflecting on her day at Lord’s, Rosa said, "Getting the chance to broadcast live on the field with the Sky Sports team was a truly incredible experience and one I won't forget.
This competition with MCC, Sky Sports and Take Her Lead is already opening doors for me, from filming with Take Her Lead behind the scenes at Edgbaston and Trent Bridge and visiting Sky HQ, to media interviews, podcasts, and of course my ultimate prize at Lord's with the Sky Sports team. I can't wait to see where it takes me next in the broadcasting world!" Bryan Henderson, Sky Sports' director of cricket and NFL, added, "Sky Sports was once again delighted to be involved in this brilliant initiative, and it was fantastic to see a record 50 entries this year showing just how important this competition is.
The legacy over the three years has led to some very talented women establishing themselves in the sports broadcasting world. Rosa is a real talent, and we were proud to have her as part of our on‑screen team for our coverage of The Hundred final." Isa Guha, founder of Take Her Lead, echoed the sentiment: "Rosa has shown real talent, curiosity and professionalism throughout the programme, and we have no doubt she has an incredibly bright future ahead.
We look forward to continuing to support her on her broadcasting journey." The Hundred final, now a staple of Sky Sports' cricket portfolio, continues to draw large audiences both on television and via streaming platforms. Sky’s commitment to showcasing women’s cricket alongside the men’s game reflects a broader industry push to provide equal exposure for female athletes. By integrating emerging talent like Rosa into its on‑air team, Sky Sports not only enriches its coverage with fresh perspectives but also reinforces its role as a champion of diversity in sports media.
For fans eager to catch the latest highlights, Sky Sports offers a range of on‑demand videos, key moments, and exclusive behind‑the‑scenes content across its digital channels. Subscribers can also stream cricket without a long‑term contract, giving flexible access to live matches, analysis shows, and special features such as Rosa’s day‑in‑the‑life segments.
The success of this year’s competition underscores the growing interest among young women to pursue careers in sports broadcasting. With mentorship from industry veterans, hands‑on experience at major events, and the visibility provided by a broadcaster of Sky’s stature, participants like Rosa Simkin are poised to become the next generation of voices shaping cricket’s narrative for audiences worldwide.