Sue Redfern will become the first woman to officiate in England's men's home international after being appointed as the fourth umpire for Wednesday's first T20I against Sri Lanka in Cardiff.
Alex Wharf was to fill the role, but Redfern was placed on standby in case Reserve Day was activated at the World Test Championship final in Southampton. With persistent inclement weather forced the game to a sixth day, Redfern will now move for the first three T20Is between England & Sri Lanka.
"It's going to be a great experience," Redfern told ESPNcricinfo. "I feel so privileged. It's unexpected but at the same time, it's a great opportunity to show that women can function in a variety of environments."
Redfern is a regular on-field umpire on the women's international circuit & stood in last week's Test between England & India in Bristol.
A former England player, Redfern was the on-field umpire in the 2016 World Cricket League Division Five match between Oman & Nigeria. West Indies-based umpire Jacqueline Williams acted as the third umpire in the same match, the first time it was twice. Women had participated in the men's ICC tournament.
"What the players are seeing, they don't really care whether I'm a man or a woman, they just want me to do my job," Redfern said. "The most important thing is how I manage that game & how do I umpire in that game.
"If I am not really seen & talked about, I've had a good day, so managing that game to make sure it comes to a positive conclusion."
Redfern's appointment comes after Australian Claire Polosak became the first woman to officiate in a men's Test when she was the fourth umpire for the third Test between Australia & India at the SCG in January.
And Redfern said she supports women's substitutes in men's matches, which is a common occurrence.
"I want to see any officer, whatever their aspirations, that they can fulfill those aspirations, if they are good enough," she said. “What we are looking for is people with the right skills working in the right sports.
"It's important to show people that you can be an official, be it a man or a woman, in an environment that you want to officiate. - & why not?
"The more we see women performing in different roles in cricket, the more it becomes commonplace, & that's important because it elevates our game & shows that you can do anything in this game."
Last month, Anna Harris & Yvonne Dolphin-Cooper stood together as on-field umpires in men's matches in the England Premier League & South Wales Premier League in what is considered to be the first instance of two women umpiring in ECB Premier League matches.
Redfern, who also stands regularly in home women's matches, including the Rachel Heyhoe Flint Trophy, admitted she feels nervous before officiating in any match, so she doesn't expect Wednesday's fixture - which England Back-to-back white-ball series between Sri Lanka & the Sri Lanka men's team - no different.
"As a player I was exactly that, I get nervous, & I keep doing that every time I go in," she said. "The important thing for me is to get those nerves in order. I think that's a good thing because it means I care, I want to do a good job. As long as I can control those nerves." It's not a problem. It's a reminder of how lucky I am in the situation I am in."
Redfern's desire to "do a good job" goes hand in hand with the fact that she cares deeply about the game she's played for more than 25 years.
"There is nothing as great as playing the game as a former player," she said. "It's a beautiful game, I'm passionate about the game. For me, umpiring is, I've been given a second chance to do something that I really love in this beautiful game.
"Every time I wake up I pinch myself & know I am going to officiate. I absolutely love it."