Rosa Simkin, crowned the MCC Female Young Broadcaster of the Year for 2026, earned the competition’s top prize by joining Sky Sports’ live coverage of The Hundred final at Lord’s on Sunday. At just 18, she stepped onto the field alongside seasoned professionals, delivering on‑air interviews and digital content that captured the excitement of both the women’s and men’s finals.
During the innings break of each final, Rosa conducted rapid‑fire interviews with key players, including Georgia Adams of the Trent Rockets and Noor Ahmad of the Manchester Super Giants. Both teams ultimately lifted their respective trophies, and Rosa’s concise, insightful questioning added a fresh, youthful perspective to the broadcast.
In addition to the live interview slots, she contributed bite‑size highlight reels for Sky Sports Cricket’s online platforms and produced Instagram stories from Lord’s, offering viewers a behind‑the‑scenes look at her day as part of the production crew. Prior to the championship, Rosa spent time at Sky’s Osterley headquarters where she observed the inner workings of a major sports broadcast. She toured the Sky Sports News studios, sat in the control room to see how live cricket coverage is directed, and learned about the myriad technical and editorial decisions that shape a televised match. The visit also included a mentorship meeting with Jo Osborne, Sky’s head of women’s sport, who shared valuable advice on navigating a career in a traditionally male‑dominated industry.
Rosa wrapped up her preparation with a final briefing from the cricket production team, ensuring she was ready for the high‑pressure environment of a live final. The MCC Young Female Broadcaster competition, now in its third edition, is backed by Sky Sports and the cricket‑focused charity Take Her Lead.
Its mission is to broaden pathways for young women who aspire to careers in sports media, while scouting and nurturing the next wave of female talent in cricket broadcasting. This year’s contest attracted a record 50 entries, reflecting growing interest and the importance of the initiative.
The judging panel—comprising Sky Sports director of cricket & NFL Bryan Henderson, MCC chief marketing officer Katie Maier, Take Her Lead founder and former England cricketer Isa Guha, as well as broadcasters Alison Mitchell and Georgie Heath—praised the high calibre of the showreel submissions. After careful deliberation, they selected Rosa as the winner. Rosa, a journalism student at Cardiff University originally from Warwickshire, fell in love with cricket at age nine when her sister Mae took her to an Edgbaston match featuring Warwickshire. Her passion quickly translated into action; she earned ECB media accreditation at 16 and launched her own platform, Rosa Talks Ball, while still in school.
Since then, Rosa has co‑hosted and produced the weekly "Two Tiers Deep" podcast with Northamptonshire’s Chloe Hill, a series that delves into every level of the women’s game. She also founded TIERED, the first monthly magazine dedicated exclusively to women’s county cricket, further cementing her role as a champion for the sport’s female voices. Reflecting on her experience at The Hundred final, Rosa said, "Broadcasting live from the field with the Sky Sports team was an unforgettable experience. This competition, supported by the MCC, Sky Sports, and Take Her Lead, has already opened doors for me—from filming behind the scenes at Edgbaston and Trent Bridge with Take Her Lead, to visiting Sky HQ, conducting media interviews, and now presenting at Lord's.
I’m eager to see where this journey takes me next in the world of broadcasting." Bryan Henderson, Sky Sports' director of cricket & NFL, added, "We’re thrilled to be part of this fantastic initiative again. The record 50 entries this year demonstrate how vital the competition has become. Over the past three years, we’ve seen talented women break into sports broadcasting, and Rosa is a shining example of that progress. We were proud to have her on our on‑screen team for The Hundred final." Isa Guha, founder of Take Her Lead, praised Rosa’s dedication, noting, "She has shown real talent, curiosity, and professionalism throughout the programme.
We have no doubt she has an incredibly bright future ahead, and we look forward to continuing to support her broadcasting journey." The Hundred final coverage on Sky Sports featured live commentary, expert analysis, and a host of digital extras, including the latest highlight videos and key moments from the tournament. Viewers could also explore Sky Sports’ broader cricket portfolio, from domestic leagues to international fixtures, and take advantage of streaming options that require no long‑term contract. The competition’s success, highlighted by the surge in entries and the quality of Rosa’s work, underscores the growing demand for diverse voices in sports media and the impact of initiatives that empower young women to pursue careers behind the microphone and camera.