LONDON, Oct 4: New MCC president Robin Marlar has sparked controversy in the women’s cricket game days after succeeding Tom Graveney. Marlar said “it’s absolutely outrageous” women were allowed to play mixed cricket in case they got injured.

Asked for his view if a girl bowled at 80mph he said: “I’d be asking about whether she’s had a sex change.”

England women’s captain Clare Connor said the remarks were: “absurd, old-fashioned and patronising.”

Connor who became first women to play for Brighton First XI in 1993, added: “It is unacceptable and raises questions about his suitability for the job.”

Within days of taking up new post, Marlar, 74-year-old former Sussex player, said: “MCC’s view is that mixed cricket at adult level doesn’t happen. If there’s an 18-year-old fast bowler who can bowl at 80mph then he shouldn’t want to hurt a lady at any cost.”

Former England women’s captain Rachel Heyhoe-Flint, first women named on MCC committee, played down the matter. “Robin is just being a gentleman,” she insisted. —Agencies