"Today is not just a celebration of 50 years of the Women’s Cricket World Cup, but the first-ever Cricket World Cup and gives us the opportunity to recognise the women who were pioneers of our sport," ICC chief executive Geoff Allardice said.

"In staging the first ever Cricket World Cup, they set the foundations in place for a vibrant women’s cricket landscape we enjoy today."

Over the next five weeks, the ICC will use its social media platforms to exhibit rarely seen photographs from the tournament.

It was supported by Bahamas based businessman Sir Jack Hayward, a long-time supporter of women’s cricket who donated the trophy,

The competition was played on a round-robin league basis, mostly at club grounds and seven teams took part,

"At that inaugural World Cup, we placed fifth among the seven participating teams," Trinidad and Tobago captain Louise Brown said.

"Our participation however, brought recognition to women's cricket, not only in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, but throughout the Caribbean region."

The opening match between Jamaica and New Zealand was even scheduled for the village green at Kew in England but was washed out by rain.

"To have had the opportunity to participate in this World Cup, now 50 years ago was a privilege," said Australian opening bowler bowler Sharon Tredrea who made her international debut at the tournament.

"This World Cup showcased the best of the best from around the world and opened the eyes of many who dismissed women’s cricket."

A social programme was arranged for each team and the Australians went to Longleat Wildlife Park. 

Here, they had what was described in the official tournament report as "a confrontation with an inquisitive rhino."

The last match of the tournament between Australia and England turned out to be the decisive match in the series.

It was held at Edgbaston in Birmingham, because although the women were permitted to use the practice nets at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, they were not permitted to play on the ground considered the premier venue in world cricket.

England opener Enid Bakewell scored 118 to help England to a commanding total of 279 for three from their 60 overs.

England then restricted Australia to 187 for nine to win by 92 runs.

"My main memories of 1973 are seeing my dad with his rug over his arm coming to me after I had scored a century," Bakewell said.

The trophy was presented to England captain, the late Dame Rachael Heyhoe-Flint by Princess Anne.

Heyhoe-Flint was a fierce advocate for the acceptance of women’s cricket and eventually led the England team against Australia in the first women’s international played at Lord’s in 1976.

Bakewell hit 50 in that match and continued to play into her seventies.

In 2017 she was still batting in a match at Lord’s aged 76.

England and Australia's women begin their multi-format Ashes series at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Thursday (June 22) with a five-day Test match.