Rosa Simkin, the 2026 recipient of the MCC Female Young Broadcaster of the Year award, earned the competition's top prize by joining Sky Sports' live broadcast team for The Hundred final at Lord's on Sunday. During the innings breaks of both the women's and men's finals, the 18‑year‑old conducted quick‑fire interviews with Trent Rockets captain Georgia Adams and Manchester Super Giants star Noor Ahmad, moments that were captured as each side ultimately lifted its respective trophy.
In addition to the on‑field interviews, Rosa contributed bite‑size highlight reels for Sky Sports Cricket's digital platforms and produced content for Lord's official Instagram account, offering fans a behind‑the‑scenes glimpse of her role within the production crew. Her involvement extended beyond the match day; earlier in the week she visited Sky's Osterley headquarters for an immersive look at broadcast production. There she observed how cricket coverage is orchestrated from the studio, participated in live‑sport production drills, toured the Sky Sports News studios, and absorbed the mechanics of directing a major sporting event. A key highlight of the visit was a mentorship conversation with Jo Osborne, Sky's head of women's sport.
Osborne shared valuable insights on navigating a career in sports media, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, networking, and perseverance. Rosa then rounded off her preparation with a final briefing session alongside Sky's cricket production team, ensuring she was ready to step onto the field for the high‑profile final. The MCC Young Female Broadcaster competition, now in its third edition and supported by Sky Sports and the cricket charity Take Her Lead, seeks to broaden pathways for young women who aspire to careers in sports broadcasting. By spotlighting emerging talent and providing hands‑on experience, the initiative aims to nurture the next generation of female voices in cricket commentary and production.
The Hundred final itself featured a series of memorable moments, many of which were captured in Sky Sports' latest video highlights and key‑play compilations. Viewers could also explore the platform's broader cricket offerings, including live streams without contractual commitments, and stay updated on the newest Sky Sports partnerships. This year’s competition attracted a record 50 entries, the highest number to date. The judging panel—comprising Sky Sports' director of cricket and NFL coverage Bryan Henderson, MCC chief marketing officer Katie Maier, Take Her Lead founder and former England cricketer Isa Guha, as well as seasoned broadcasters Alison Mitchell and Georgie Heath—was impressed by the caliber of the showreels.
Their consensus led to Rosa’s selection as the winner. Rosa, a journalism student at Cardiff University originally from Warwickshire, fell in love with cricket at the age of nine when her sister Mae took her to an Edgbaston match featuring Warwickshire. She earned her ECB media accreditation at 16 and launched her own platform, Rosa Talks Ball, while still in school. Since then, she has co‑hosted and produced the weekly "Two Tiers Deep" podcast with Northamptonshire all‑rounder Chloe Hill, delving into every tier of the women's game.
Additionally, she founded TIERED, the first monthly magazine dedicated exclusively to women's county cricket. 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, in partnership with MCC 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 with the Sky Sports crew.
I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next in the world of broadcasting." Bryan Henderson, Sky Sports' director of cricket and NFL, added, "We are thrilled to be part of this outstanding initiative again. The record 50 entries this year underscore how vital this competition has become. Over the past three years, it has helped launch the careers of several talented women in sports broadcasting.
Rosa is a genuine talent, and we were proud to have her on screen for our Hundred final coverage." Isa Guha, founder of Take Her Lead, praised Rosa’s performance, stating, "Rosa has demonstrated exceptional talent, curiosity, and professionalism throughout the program. We are confident she has a brilliant future ahead and look forward to continuing our support on her broadcasting journey."