Leeds' Ellie Scarlett Smith named MCC Young Female Broadcaster runner-up at historic Women's Test
A Leeds woman has been announced as a runner-up in a major broadcast competition.
Ellie Scarlett Smith, a 24-year-old presenter, took honours in the third MCC Young Female Broadcaster contest 2026.
The competition, supported by Sky Sports and leading cricket charity Take Her Lead, aims to increase opportunities for young women building a career in sports broadcasting, while uncovering and supporting the next generation of female broadcasting talent in cricket.
Ellie said: "Being shortlisted for the MCC Young Female Broadcaster of the Year is an incredible honour.
"Cricket has given me opportunities I never imagined, and I want to continue using my voice to celebrate the people who make the game so special.
"Whether I'm presenting to a packed stadium or telling someone's story, my goal is always the same: to make audiences feel connected, inspired and excited about the sport we love."
Ellie's cricket journey started at The Hundred, and she has since presented and hosted at some of the UK's biggest cricket venues, including Lord's, Edgbaston and her home ground of Headingley, across the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, The Hundred and the Vitality Blast.
Ellie's recognition in the competition is a significant moment for Yorkshire's sports broadcasting talent.
The competition received 50 entries this year - its highest yet. The judging panel, including Sky Sports Director of Cricket & NFL Bryan Henderson, Take Her Lead founder and broadcaster Isa Guha, MCC Chief Marketing Officer, Katie Maier, commentator and broadcaster, Georgie Heath, and journalist and broadcaster, Alison Mitchell, were hugely impressed by the standard of the showreel submissions and selected Rosa Simkin as the winner.
The cohort were invited to Lord's on Saturday 11 July for a special celebration day on Day Two of the historic Test.
The group toured Lord's, including the Pavilion and the iconic Barclays Media Centre, with a behind-the-scenes look at the Sky Sports commentary box and the BBC Test Match Special box, learning how live broadcast production operates. They also visited the Committee Room, where they were greeted by MCC Chairman Mark Nicholas.
The group spent time with the Take Her Lead team, including a meet and greet with founder and broadcaster Isa Guha and previous winner Helen Trappelides, gaining valuable insight into the broadcasting world and the chance to ask questions.
They also met and learned from some of the industry's best broadcasters, including Eleanor Oldroyd, Georgie Heath and Alison Mitchell.
Katie Maier, Chief Marketing Officer at MCC, said: "This summer, Lord's has written a new chapter in the history of women's cricket, and it's been a privilege to welcome the next generation of female broadcasters to be part of telling that story.
"Rosa and our runners-up have shown real talent and dedication. We're proud to keep championing the next generation of broadcasting talent, and we can't wait to see where Rosa's career takes her next.”
Isa Guha, Founder of Take Her Lead, added: "At Take Her Lead, we believe in the power of female voices to shape narratives, challenge perspectives, and inspire change.
"Initiatives like this show exactly what that means. Rosa and the runners-up have already shown incredible drive and talent and giving them the chance to learn from experienced broadcasters, ask questions and build relationships within the industry is invaluable.
"We're looking forward to continuing to support young women in sports media and broadcasting through mentoring and further opportunities. It is wonderful seeing the next generation of female voices in cricket continue to grow."
Bryan Henderson, Director of Cricket at Sky Sports, said, "It's been fantastic to welcome Rosa and the runners-up to Lord's for such a historic occasion.
"The standard of talent in this competition keeps getting stronger every year, and Rosa's passion for telling the stories of the women's game really came through.
"We're looking forward to welcoming her to join our team at The Hundred Final in August, and we're grateful to MCC and Take Her Lead for their continued partnership on a competition that's making a real difference."