GENDER is no issue when it comes to a Winchcombe teenager breaking a 461-year tradition.
Jo Cull, 17, has become the first female cricketer to play for Shrewsbury School.
The school, founded in 1552, first admitted girls five years ago when its sixth form became co-educational.
It is one of the country's leading cricket schools, having won national trophies in recent years and produced several talented players, including young England batsman James Taylor.
Jo was awarded a sports scholarship to play and study at the prestigious school and has set her sights on playing regularly in the second team, progressing from the third.
There are five competitive teams at the school and Jo is the only girl in any of them.
"I was really surprised when I got into the team and, hopefully, I can play professionally in the future," said Jo, who has been playing since she was five years old.
"I have really enjoyed my first year in sixth form here and have been made to feel welcome in the team.
"The facilities and coaching are first class."
She follows in the footsteps of her brother Matt, who used to play in the first team. She also plans to go on to study medicine at university.
Andy Barnard, head of cricket at Shrewsbury School, said: "It doesn't have anything to do if you are a boy or a girl, as long as you are good enough.
"It is an increasingly popular sport and we are really looking forward to having our own girls' cricket team here and for more girls to be playing in boys' teams."
