sign in sign up
<<
Home , Amelia Kerr, Anjum Chopra, Anju Jain, Belinda Clark, Bismah Maroof, Cecelia Joyce

&CHARISMA CONFIDENCE WORLD CUP 2020 T20 ON THE AHEAD: LOOKING WOMEN’S VOL 1|ISSUE2019 VOL golden girl,SmritiMandhana. An exclusive interview with ’s

RAF NICHOLSON WIDENING GAP ’s dominance WWW.WOMENSCRICZONE.COM revive Testcricket Adam Collinson On theneedto THE

BILLION-AIR AEROSPACE

NOW CHOOSE TO TRAVEL HASSLE-FREE CHARTER SERVICE IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE:

A SUBSIDIARY OF MILLION GROUP OF COMPANIES 501, Rahul Capital, Prabhat Road, - 411 004. Group of Companies For Enquiries: +91 9607100033 | Email: [email protected]

PG 14_Billion64_Billion56_Billion Aerospace.inddAir Advt.indd 2 1 5/29/20181/22/201926-04-2019 1:48:532:25:23 11:58:25 PMAM PUBLISHER’S NOTE

would like to briefly share with me to meet Sidhanta Patnaik, who has you the story behind the creation of unparalleled knowledge about the Women’s CricZone, so that you may women’s game and other stakeholders. understand its context and history I found that we had a similar vision, before you dive in. and requested him to come on board. My interest in is just like That was when things really took off… Iany other Indian kid. I first watched a The first giant step in our relentless women’s cricket match in 2009 when quest to connect the game with the fans faced in the was taken when we toured finals of the World Cup. After that, I to cover India’s tour in September had always tried to follow as much 2018. Subsequently, we grew bolder women’s cricket as possible through and braver when we covered the ICC every source of media I could find: Women’s T20 World Cup from the from TV to newspaper to the internet. Caribbean, and then steadily added However, one thing was always more reputed journalists in our evident— the quality, quantity, and editorial team to cover every series frequency of the content made available around the globe. wasn’t enough. For us, publishing Women’s CricZone The 2017 Women’s World Cup Magazine— the first magazine of its For us, publishing in England was a pathbreaking kind— has been a natural progression tournament not only for India, but to our digital arsenal. First, we tried Women’s CricZone it was the shot in the arm to all the to connect the fans with the game and Magazine has been a nations across the world. It meant they now, we plan to make the elites and the natural progression. understood the need to channelize their stakeholders a huge part of it. efforts in organizing and promoting I would like to thank my Editor First we tried to women’s cricket. in Chief Sidhanta Patnaik, Magazine connect the fans It is around that time that Women’s Editor Ananya Upendran, Smriti CricZone took shape as a media portal. Mandhana, advisors, sponsors, the with the game, As an avid cricket fan, I was keen entire women’s cricket fraternity, ICC and now we want that the rest of the world gain easy and lastly but importantly BCCI for all to make the elites access to information regarding their support in making this magazine women’s cricket. Since I wasn’t quite take a real shape. and stakeholders sure what could be done, my friends a part of it. and well-wishers encouraged us to launch a website and a social media handle giving updates on the game. A dedicated effort to develop the Yash Lahoti coverage of the women’s cricket led E-mail: [email protected] Twitter: @YvLahoti

www.womenscriczone.com 5

FROM THE EDITOR

TAKING CENTRESTAGE

y earliest memories of watching the women’s game. “The game needs a women’s cricket on television voice,” he told me during my first few are from 2003, when Maia months at Wisden India. “It is our job to try Lewis’ New Zealand toured and give it that voice— cover every aspect, India for one Test and five ODIs. from multiple angles. We have a chance MI didn’t watch the Test— I don’t even know to bring about a change. We can grow the if it was televised— but I saw every single game.” For someone who doesn’t hold a one-day game on DD Sports. stake in the sport, it amazed me how much, A year later, when Australia toured India and how deeply he thought about ways It took a great deal of ahead of the 2005 Women’s World Cup in to improve the standards and coverage of work to put this magazine South Africa, I followed the games again— women’s cricket. together. Working on a this time a little more keenly because I had From covering matches in far corners very tight schedule made just started playing competitive cricket. The of the country to being in the Lord’s press it feel like everything was day after every game I would pore over the box for a World Cup final— Sidhanta has going at super speed. Late newspaper searching for a sign that the the seen his fair share of matches and ticked nights, early mornings, country knew the women were playing. off a number of milestones. His unbridled endless hours of staring Sometimes, I found a 150-200-word article passion for the game was the reason for at a computer screen and with brief scores at the bottom— that was a Women’s CricZone the development of as many, many discussions best case scenario. a website, and he is also the reason for the later, we finally made it! In 2013, when India hosted the ICC creation and launch of this magazine. Women’s World Cup in , the Back in 2004 when I scanned through A huge thank you to situation was much the same— token every newspaper searching for news on everyone involved in the coverage, but this time, with the odd picture. women’s cricket, all I wanted to do was creation of this magazine— Through the tournament, there were, at find a way to make the world aware of the contributors, best, a couple of Indian journalists in the the women’s game. To be involved in the advertisers, advisors, Cricket Club of India press box. Far more publication of this magazine is a dream design team, and the had covered the Ranji Trophy final at the come true. It wouldn’t have been possible entire WCZ family. And to Wankhede Stadium that ended only a day without Sidhanta, who unwittingly became you, our readers, we hope before the women’s tournament began. something of a mentor to me, and his you enjoy the content. Four years later, upon their return from influence and commitment to the women’s England, the Indian team were greeted in game infuses these pages. the middle of the night at the airport by Although the women are still jostling hundreds of cheering fans and dozens of for space in the media, they have firmly eager journalists. After the 2017 World Cup carved out their place in the public it seemed the women’s game had finally imagination. Women’s CricZone is meant to found its own identity. be a celebration of all the people involved Through this period of transition, there in the women’s game— their time waiting have been a few constant voices. Sidhanta in the wings is done. Now they must take Patnaik, one of only three Indian journalists centre stage. in the press box during the World Cup final at Lord’s, was one of them. After years of dedicatedly covering women’s cricket, he was now seeing it blossom into something bigger and better. Ananya Upendran Long before that change happened, E-mail: [email protected] Sidhanta was trying to do his bit to promote Twitter: @a_upendran11

www.womenscriczone.com 7 TABLE OF CONTENTS

WOMEN’S CRICZONE MAGAZINE

email: [email protected] website: www.womenscriczone.com

PUBLISHER Yash Lahoti EDITORIAL 05 42 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PUBLISHER’S NOTE Sidhanta Patnaik BEYOND THE 34 - Yash Lahoti MAGAZINE EDITOR DRIVING THE FUTURE OF Ananya Upendran WOMEN’S CRICKET IN THE OUTPOSTS -

ART DIRECTOR Karunya Keshav Jittendra Chillal 07

PHOTOGRAPHER FROM THE EDITOR Ryan Martis Ananya Upendran

CONTRIBUTORS 44 Adam Collins FROM BACKYARD TO BIG LEAGUES: Anuja Dalvi Anand Date 10 MAKING THE JUMP FROM DOMESTIC TO Marina Iqbal THE OPENER INTERNATIONAL CRICKET - Frances Mackay, Karuna Jain Karunya Keshav A CASE FOR THE REVIVAL Karuna Jain, Marin Iqbal John Leather OF TEST CRICKET - Raf Nicholson Frances Mackay Kass Naidoo Raf Nicholson Lisa Sthalekar 14 50 Rama Subramanian (Quiz) AUSTRALIA: STANDARD BEARER FOR ATHLETICISM: A GAME-CHANGER THE WORLD - Adam Collins ADVISORY BOARD FOR WOMEN’S CRICKET IN CONSULTING EDITOR INDIA - Anuja Dalvi, Anand Date Sunandan Lele

LEGAL ADVISOR 20 Adv. Dr. Chinmay S. Bhosale FROM THE ARCHIVES ADVISORS BEST OF WOMEN’S CRICZONE WEBSITE Abhishek Kulkarni Kailash Mundada Kamal Rungta Vineet Patni Vinit Deo 24 COVER STORY ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONS ‘IF YOU SCORE, PEOPLE WILL ADVERTISING MANAGER Akshay Mhaskar RESPECT YOU’ - Ananya Upendran [email protected]

Published by BREAKING BOUNDARIES PVT LTD 34 202, Posiview Consulting Partners Pvt Ltd, Chintamani Pride Building, Near City Pride, NUMBERS GAME Kothrud, Pune, , India – 411038 DECODING THE NUMBERS Phone: +91 8698698008. BEHIND THE REVOLUTION - email: [email protected] John Leather 34

8 www.womenscriczone.com 54 IN THE FRAME 70 PHOTO SECTION 62 OPINION INDIA IS READY FOR A WOMEN’S IPL - Reema Malhotra 66 PERSPECTIVE NOTHING BEATS LIVE TV COVERAGE - Kass Naidoo

70 ROUND-UP THE WOMEN TO WATCH - Shweta Haranhalli

74 THE YEAR AT A GLANCE: SERIES SUMMARIES

76 LOOKING AHEAD 2020 WOMEN’S T20 WORLD CUP: AUSTRALIA READIES ITSELF - Lisa Sthalekar

82 SUPER OVER QUIZ: TESTING TIMES - Rama Subrahmanian

24

www.womenscriczone.com 9 THE OPENER

A CASE FOR THE REVIVAL OF TEST CRICKET PHOTOGRAPHS: DON MILES

Before it becomes a mere pastime of yesteryear, consigned to the dustbin of history, it is important that the ICC revives women’s Test cricket— a format that most players believe is the pinnacle of the game.

• RAF NICHOLSON n August 2014, India pre-match expectations, routing dream come true”. “The win Women played their first England for 92 in their first is important - it is more than Test match in eight years. innings, and eventually winning everything else,” she said. Derided in the media by 6 . Three months later, in Ibefore they took to the field, The star of the show? An November 2014, India played their hopes against the newly- 18-year-old bespectacled Smriti another Test, facing up to South professional England team were Mandhana, on her very first Africa in Mysore. This time widely thought to be zero: a true tour of England. Afterwards, I around, MD Thirushkamini David v Goliath encounter. spoke to the dazed teenager as and starred with I covered that match, she reflected on the events of the a record-breaking 275- and what I saw was truly past few days, including hitting second- partnership. astounding. Over the four days a half- in India’s second India thrashed their opponents of play (the standard number innings as they chased down by an innings: suddenly, they for women’s Tests), the Indian their target of 181. She described are the all-reigning queens of team made a mockery of all the Test win for her side as “a the multi-day format.

10 www.womenscriczone.com They have not played cricket boards. However, the disappointing statement from another Test since. ICC have made it clear that they someone whose own career do not see women’s Test cricket centred around the Test match uring that August as a priority: their focus has format. Clark represented 2014 England v India been on growing the women’s Kohli said recently Australia between 1991 and DTest, Chair of the ICC game through the T20 format, that he wants 2005, playing in 15 Tests; she is Women’s Committee Clare and they argue that this makes second on the list of most Test Connor gave an interview in more sense from a commercial India to be a runs scored by an Australian which she described women’s perspective. During the last “superpower in female. Yet she is now part of Test cricket as “hanging women’s Test to be played, at two governing bodies, Cricket by a thread”. It was an apt in November 2017, a Test cricket”. It Australia and the ICC, who summation. India are not alone member of the ICC Women’s seems likely that have overseen a rapid decline in being strangers to the Test Committee India’s women’s in women’s Tests— ensuring format: New Zealand and West reiterated that the policy going no young player today will ever Indies have not played a single forward is to continue to focus team— judging have a chance of getting close to Test since 2004. Indeed, in the on the shorter formats of the by their double her record. last decade, only eight women’s game, with no intention to It is no coincidence that Tests have been played. Regular increase the amount of Test Test victory in Clark retired in 2005— the same women’s Test cricket currently cricket played. 2014— could be a year that the ICC took over survives only between England “If we’re thinking about the running of international and Australia as part of the growth of the international fundamental part women’s cricket. Prior to that, multi-format Women’s Ashes, game, the answer to that of that vision, if the multi-Test series’ were the norm whereby a single Test is given question is T20,” she said. “The in the women’s game. Until the a points weighting and used one-day game also has a place BCCI would only ICC takeover, the International alongside three ODIs and three – the World Cup in England give them a shot Women’s Cricket Council T20Is to decide the overall series shows that. But I’m not sure that at it. (IWCC)— a body staffed by winner. women’s Test cricket holds a female administrators, generally Why? Of course it is partly at place in people’s hearts.” ex-players— had responsibility the discretion of the individual It was a deeply for the Future Tours

Left: is keen on playing more Test cricket, and like most Australian cricketers, says the baggy green ‘holds a special place in her heart.’ (PC: Don Miles)

Right: Regular women’s Test cricket currently survives only between England and Australia as part of the multi-format Women’s Ashes. (PC: Don Miles)

www.womenscriczone.com 11 THE OPENER

Programme; and they were fully supportive of women’s Test match cricket. An IWCC survey conducted in 2000, five years before the merger, showed that “all countries indicated support for a combination of Test and one-day cricket”; the Women’s Cricket Association of India felt that “without Tests, women’s cricket would be seen as having no Test players and the game would suffer”. But the Women’s Cricket Association of India no longer has a voice: it is the BCCI, and the ICC, who call the shots these days. In fact Clark’s statement that Test cricket does not hold a place in people’s hearts just does not stack up. Had she paused for a minute to speak to the Australian side, she might have realised that. Current Australian Meg Lanning, in a recent interview, was unequivocal about the issue: “We’d love to play more Test matches.” She went on to advocate the future involvement of the Indian team in women’s Test cricket. “I think India would be great at playing Test matches. I think they’d probably be the big fish to get the possibility of that experience their country in Test cricket as involved because they’ve got being taken away. the pinnacle of their career. It is such a big influence in cricket. Above: An 18-year-old For female players, Tests called “Test” cricket for a reason. If that was the case, I think that , who are career-defining moments: And yet the ICC appear to think scored a half-century in would definitely help that side there is nothing else like them. that women should be denied India’s Test win in 2014, of the game grow.” described it as “a dream , who has led her that privilege. Strange, isn’t it? “Putting on that baggy come true” and “more team to two World Cup finals, green is a very special moment than anything else”. says that beating England in he ICC’s argument for all our group, and we (PC: Don Miles) the 2014 Test at Wormsley was would likely be that always look forward to that the highlight of her career to Tregardless of the players’ opportunity,” she concluded. date. Why? Because it came in feelings, women’s Test cricket Lanning is in no way alone. a Test match. Smriti’s comment is expensive and provides little The treasured memory of in the wake of that Indian Test financial return: T20 should receiving their first Test cap is a win against England being therefore be the focus as we seek common memory among female “more than everything else” to grow the women’s game. I players (just as it is amongst speaks volumes about the way beg to differ. Growing women’s their male counterparts). “As players view the format. I have cricket requires more women’s a kid, it’s the first thing that interviewed countless female Test cricket, not less. you want to do,” England’s players over the years, and they A recent survey of 13,000 , who received hers are 100% unified in their desire cricket fans across the world in Perth in January 2014, told to play more Tests. conducted by the MCC revealed me in an interview. The more None of this is really that 86% felt that Test cricket you talk to players, the more surprising. Most male cricketers was their preferred format to intensely sad it is to think about would also see representing watch, trumping ODIs, T20Is

12 www.womenscriczone.com and domestic matches. This is Test cricket also showcases the there’ll start being a mental fairly conclusive. But if women players’ talents like nothing problem with the cricketers are unable to participate in the else. When else would an coming up.” No doubt this format of the sport which the Indian woman be able to take For four days, applies to players of both vast majority of fans consider 541 minutes to patiently acquire genders. It is not rocket science: to be their preferred format, 192 runs, as Thirushkamini different teams if we want female cricketers what message does that send did in November 2014 against edge their way to be the best players they can about the relative value of South Africa? be— and to produce the kind of women’s cricket compared to The women’s Ashes Test at in front, then fall cricket which attracts people to its male counterpart? Equality Perth in January 2014 is a case behind; tactics watch them— then Test cricket in women’s cricket must surely in point: it is the most exciting needs to be in their vocabulary. involve participation in all cricket match, men’s or women’s, are carefully formats. Expanding the fan which I have ever had the reconsidered, t need not be difficult to base of the sport depends at privilege of witnessing. Across over by over, revive women’s Test cricket. least partly on credibility— and four days at the WACA, the IThe ICC already mandates credibility in turn depends on players produced the kind of Test session by that the top eight nations all the opportunity to participate in cricket— men’s or women’s— session; there play each other in three ODIs the pinnacle format. that is utterly captivating from across each four-year World Most fans would agree that first to last ball. It was a low- is time, so Cup cycle, as part of the process there is something unique and scoring game, in which the much time, for to determine who qualifies for special about the Test match highest score was Australia’s the next tournament. Why not format. For four days, different first-innings 207; a game thinking, and for go one step further and state teams edge their way in front, where the fast bowlers could nerves, and for that in addition to these ODIs, then fall behind; tactics are rip through a side when they great innings; teams must also participate in carefully reconsidered, over had a new ball in their hands, a Test and three T20s, all worth by over, session by session; where momentum ebbed and for the gentle a specified number of points? there is time, so much time, for flowed between the two teams, unfolding of a If the will was there, there is no thinking, and for nerves, and with either looking capable of doubt that a way could be found. for great innings; for the gentle victory right up until the final narrative which Kohli said recently that he wants unfolding of a narrative which morning. It was a game where no one could India to be a “superpower in no one could have predicted. even those in the press box who Test cricket”. It seems likely that are supposed to display a facade have predicted. India’s women’s team— judging of neutrality, myself included, Test cricket also by their double Test victory in could not prevent themselves showcases the 2014— could be a fundamental from suffering regular heart part of that vision, if the BCCI palpitations. players’ talents would only give them a shot at it. The ICC want to increase like nothing else. As I say, it need not be It is not rocket the fanbase of women’s cricket: difficult to revive the format, science: if we want I do not believe that anyone but it is imperative that it female cricketers who watched that England- happens soon. Otherwise Australia Test match at the women’s Test cricket will to be the best WACA can have failed to be become a mere pastime of players they converted to women’s cricket, yesteryear, consigned to the to be impressed and excited by summer are said to be very dustbin of history. can be— and to its participants. And the proof of positive indeed. And if commercialism is produce the kind this is there, if you look for it. All A related point is that allowed to dictate our sport’s the evidence is that audiences participating in multi-day future, maybe men’s Test of cricket which at women’s Test cricket are cricket undoubtedly produces cricket (which the boards freely attracts people growing, year on year; there is a better all-round cricketers: it admit is rarely profit-making) to watch them— real public appetite for women’s develops their patience and wouldn’t be too far behind it. Test cricket. The most recent tactical nous, gives them time to then Test cricket Test to be played, at Sydney in practice the fundamentals over Raf Nicholson is a women’s cricket needs to be in November 2017, was attended and over in a match situation. writer and historian, currently by 12,600 people— a record , a great advocate working on a history of the their vocabulary. for modern-day women’s Test of men’s Test cricket, has been women’s game in England. She cricket. Pre-ticket sales for the vocal about this recently. “If is editor of the women’s cricket forthcoming women’s Ashes we focus too much on shorter website www.crickether.com. She Test at Taunton in England this formats,” he has said, “then tweets @RafNicholson.

www.womenscriczone.com 13 THE OPENER

AUSTRALIA: STANDARD BEARER FOR THE WORLD

The team’s success comes down to bold ambition and considered decisions that have seen their on-field dominance extend to hegemony in every corner of the international game.

• ADAM COLLINS

o goes the basic deal morphing into record the women’s cricket revolution theory: when seeking a participation. has been televised. competitive advantage At (CA) “Sometimes, you’ve just got in a new market, it headquarters, there are many to do stuff,” Clark tellsWomen’s Sserves well to be first. When it people who can take credit for CricZone about the surge of comes to Australian women’s the advances made over the last activity that has defined CA’s cricket, being first is just five years, but in terms of who push to grow women’s cricket what they do. Over the last it gives the most satisfaction, over the last five years. “You generation, this has extended it is hard to look past Belinda can always find arguments to from simple on-field dominance Clark, the current Executive say that it isn’t the right time to hegemony in every corner of General Manager for Team or we are not ready. You can the international game— with Performance. keep doing that for a long no signs of abating. The former captain was time.” Specifically, she is Australia remains the most a giant in her playing days; a addressing the thinking that successful and formidable glittering career spanning 15 underpinned the decision to team in the international years, in which she twice held go ahead with the Women’s arena, shown most recently the World Cup, concluding in Big Bash League (WBBL) in by their comprehensive T20 2005. There was nothing she the summer of 2015-16— the World Cup triumph in the did not achieve with the bat as very first semi-professional Caribbean last November. But Australia’s best player of her T20 women’s league. this is a story that goes well generation, but for the most Clark goes on to explain beyond that, and on to the big part, it was a career that took why it had to be about more decisions off the field that have place away from the viewing than cash and cameras. The made it possible— a world- public. By contrast, in her career women’s game in Australia leading domestic competition, off the field, Clark works for an was already on a new and and an unprecedented pay organisation that has ensured improved journey but it was “The genesis of the championship was essentially trying to ensure that every country in the top eight plays similar amounts of cricket. There have been a number of countries that have benefitted from that; India is obviously one of them and that is great for the game.”

the WBBL that turbocharged for other people to come to Above: The women’s it. “Philosophically, we have that conclusion; we needed to game in Australia was been working towards it for be proactive. We believed that already on a new and quite some time. Each strategy we needed to invest in order to improved journey but that had been developed went create that momentum.” benefits of that. As a result, the it was the WBBL that deeper into making sure that the Even so, expectations investment in that competition turbocharged it-- leading sport is accessible and inclusive. were measured. A free-to-air has risen significantly from that to the rapid rise of One of the obvious things was television deal had been struck first edition.” talents like Asheligh to make sure our female players with Network Ten, and it was While each subsequent Gardner. (PC: Cricket Australia) were playing appropriate levels huge. However, roughly only WBBL season has increased of cricket in order to inspire one in five games were set to be player payments, it was the 2017 the next generation of kids screened that opening season, collective bargaining agreement Left: The growth of in Australia and that was the and all on a secondary station. with CA that proved to be the women’s game genesis of the WBBL.” Internal estimates were for the next landmark moment in Australia has been What the WBBL proved to 40,000 domestic viewers per for the women. Granted, rapid-- attracting more the market-at-large was a signal game that went to air. It was the pay deal was delayed fans and viewers than that decision-makers meant not so. Quickly, games were due to botched negotiations one previously thought possible. (PC: ICC/CA) business. “If we wanted other being rescheduled to the main relating to the men, but when people to believe that cricket station with audiences peaking it was eventually finalised, was for boys and girls then we at 700,000 during the final. average salaries for nationally needed to demonstrate actions “That first year it was a contracted women leapt 125 per that led the way,” she explains. bit of a leap of faith and it has cent to 180,000 AUD, swelling “It was the realization that turned out very well for us,” to 200,000 AUD over five years we couldn’t wait for someone says Clark, modestly. “What I of the arrangement; and as for else, whether that’s the public was most proud of was sports contracted state players, they or a commercial partner or fans in this country just went for had their annual payments broadcaster. We couldn’t wait it and we are now reaping the doubled to 52,000 AUD.

www.womenscriczone.com 15 THE OPENER

“To put that into context, there is a growing belief that The same goes for Harmanpreet our nationally contracted more teams can credibly Kaur, India’s T20I skipper, who Above: Just as players today, in their first compete on the big stage has been a dominant force for important for the year, are earning more money and win tournaments. From Sydney Thunder. broader growth of than I did as a physiotherapist Australia’s perspective, they On a similar theme, the game, was India’s working in a full-time job. welcome this. Sure, winning Australia’s involvement was stunning victory That is a significant leap in in Australian cricket is a big integral for the establishment over Australia in the a reasonably short space of deal, make no mistake, but of the ICC Women’s ODI semi-final of the 2017 time. But the attitude shift, the there is an understanding of championship, which has Women’s World Cup. cultural piece, needed to occur commercial necessity that this underpinned a process for (PC: ICC) first for that to take place. That rising tide lifts the boats of their home and away fixtures to be had been brewing.” competitors too. played between every World While the pay deal was “This is a dilemma in some Cup cycle since 2014. They emblematic of all that was good respects. While we have strong won the inaugural title, but about the changing world of ambitions to be successful in faltered in the 2017 World women cricketers, equally national uniform we are also Cup that it built towards. Just important was the scheduling conscious that internationally as important for the broader of more international cricket the game needs to be strong.” growth of the game, however, that went with it. “There is no Where Australia does its bit was India’s stunning victory point paying our players if we again comes back to the WBBL, over Australia in the semi- are not then going to provide where four international players final—the sort of result that them a platform to inspire are permitted to turn out for would have been inconceivable people,” Clark elaborates. each team in each game. In the before the initiation of the ICC “That inspiration comes from case of India, for instance, Smriti championship. playing, talking about them, Mandhana, recently named “There is a direct promoting them and getting Wisden Almanack’s leading relationship between the them on television. All that goes player in the world, has turned amount of cricket you play hand in hand.” out in the WBBL, where her and the quality of your With each passing year, male counterparts are banned. performances,” notes Clark

16 www.womenscriczone.com THE OPENER

when reflecting on India’s into a semi-professional people race to their television rise. “The genesis of the domestic competition (which sets. “It was a real statement,” championship was essentially is also on television) after she says. “The inspiration for trying to ensure that every seeing what was possible in “To put that young boys and girls around country in the top eight plays the WBBL. It has led to some into context, that ground and watching on similar amounts of cricket. cricketers trying their hand at television. So that for me stands There have been a number of football. our nationally out as a fairly pivotal moment countries that have benefitted “This is all part of the contracted players and something we are all very from that; India is obviously change of culture that is proud of.” one of them and that is great for supportive of women playing today, in their first One catch with first- the game.” sport,” Clark says. “It is a year, are earning mover advantage is that it When the next major necessary part of the evolution more money doesn’t always play out that tournament rolls around in that I am really excited about. way. Indeed, sometimes, the early 2020, the rebranded T20 Young girls growing up in than I did as a market leader is overtaken by World Cup, it will be Australia’s Australia, can be bullish about physiotherapist the next big fish to enter the first turn to play host to a what the world is going to look pond who brings lessons from women’s ICC tournament since like, and about making choices working in a full- the initial entrant’s failures. 2009. Back then, as England for what sport they might play. time job. That is a That, however, is hard to see players have described their I think it’s wonderful. Our here, in the short term at least, victory at , players have played a really big significant leap in because Australia’s success is a the crowd in attendance barely role in this. They do a lot more a reasonably short product of bold ambition and extended beyond direct family than just hit cricket balls. They space of time,” considered choices. Instead, members. This time around, are part of this whole movement they serve as a standard bearer CA has proudly set a goal and have played an absolutely says Clark. for the rest of the world. Good of filling the MCG to the full pivotal part in that.” luck keeping up. 90,000 attendance for the final Considering all that has on 8 March— International happened in a relatively short Adam Collins didn’t come to this Women’s Day. window of time, it is a tad caper the conventional way, earlier “With what we are seeing, unfair to ask Clark to pick advising Australian politicians such a rise in women’s sport one moment that defines the including a Prime Minister. When Below: Australia remains the most proves that it (the target of trailblazing era. Although they got voted out of office he successful and formidable team in having a crowd of 90,000) is when pressed, she cites the the international arena, shown most started following the sun writing absolutely achievable,” Clark WBBL semi-finals and grand recently by their comprehensive T20 and talking about cricket for a believes. If successful, it will final earlier in 2019— three World Cup triumph in the Caribbean living. He likes that much better. set a new benchmark for the stunning T20 games that saw last November. (PC: ICC) He tweets @collinsadam. most number of people to ever witness a women’s team sport event. “Putting the bold statement out to people to tell them what we want to do will leave a legacy. It shows that in this country female athletes are valued. The Australian public is going to be right behind us and I suspect we will have a lot of international visitors who want to be part of that world record too.” With rapid growth usually comes some pain too, and one of those is the race to talent that has been an indirect consequence the women’s cricket leap. It is flattering that Australia domestic football codes — the Australian Football League, most noticeably — have poured their resources

www.womenscriczone.com 17 PG 4-5_Million Sqft_Final.indd6 IN INDIA,LONDON ANDDUBAI PIONEERING REALESTATE ADVISORY SERVICES SPACES OFTHEWORLD AT YOUR FEET Rera no. A52100007986 MILLION SQFT REALTY PVT LTD Contact: +919607100011 |Email:[email protected] |www.millionsqft.com 501, RahulCapital,Prabhat Road, -411 Pune 004. A SUBSIDIARY OF MILLION GROUPOFCOMPANIES

26-04-2019 11:57:32 PG 4-5_Million Sqft_Final.indd7 IMAGE SHUTTERSTOCK.COM 26-04-2019 11:57:44 PG 4-5_Million Sqft_Final.indd6 IN INDIA,LONDON ANDDUBAI PIONEERING REALESTATE ADVISORY SERVICES SPACES OFTHEWORLD AT YOUR FEET Rera no. A52100007986 MILLION SQFT REALTY PVT LTD Contact: +919607100011 |Email:[email protected] |www.millionsqft.com 501, RahulCapital,Prabhat Road, -411 Pune 004. A SUBSIDIARY OF MILLION GROUPOFCOMPANIES

26-04-2019 11:57:32 PG 4-5_Million Sqft_Final.indd7 IMAGE SHUTTERSTOCK.COM 26-04-2019 11:57:44 THE ARCHIVES

BEST OF WOMEN’S CRICZONE WEBSITE

A selection of the best articles from our website

WBBL find, World T20 star— Gardner , followed by a lovely, unsure of what she needed to do to get a is Australian captain in the making flowing cover drive off Tahuhu in the third longer run. Adam Collins over and she was off and running. The “I like to see myself as a role model for feet moved more decisively, her calls were Record setting and young indigenous cricketers, to show louder and more confident, and she pierced India’s inventiveness they can achieve whatever they put their the gaps with ease. Sidhanta Patnaik mind to and whatever they are determined In the context of Kaur’s career, this is a to achieve,” Gardner had said when Women’s cricket arrived in 2017, 2018 massive knock considering there was a appointed captain of the Aboriginal squad. showed it belongs lot riding on her after India’s not exactly “Most Indigenous people are quite proud impressive performances since that of their culture, and being able to represent The spotlight also casts shadows, and the nine-run loss in the WC final, and we my country and my people back home distance between the few haves and rest of have spoken about the impact of such is a massive thing”. Both as a product of the have-nots in the game was more visible performances earlier also. But the bigger a flourishing system and a human being this year. England and Australia made story of the day probably was India’s of considerable integrity, this is, surely, the final of the 2018 T20 WC, the only two preparedness for the occasion. Look at the only the beginning. Whisper it, but one countries with professional T20 domestic number of surprises they threw at New day Gardner won’t just be one part of the leagues, benefitting from a decade long Zealand even before Kaur had taken guard. team that brings a global trophy home head start. There were glimmers of a more to Australia. She will also be the skipper balanced future: ’s Jahanara - : A lifting it high. Alam became one of the faces of the partnership of perception and passion tournament, as much for her unlikely Marina Iqbal Shared injury pain and comeback joy catching as for her sincere rendition of Both Bismah and Nida have been around for Joshi and Lokusooriya her life story. And Ireland’s for a while now, and they have not only Snehal Pradhan captured the essence of the amateur game evolved as players but have also helped One is nearly six feet tall, lean, and look as she broke into tears after failing to secure others grow around them. I have immense like she has lost weight, though she tells automatic qualification for the next T20 respect for Bismah. She is the most you she shed the fat and converted it to World Cup. hardworking and committed person I muscle. The other makes no such claims have seen, and those attributes reflect in about her more boxy physique, yet she of old is back; much smarter her game. It’s not just about what she does certainly looks, fitter, than she has in the and sharper on the field, but even the way she carries last few years. Divided by countries, they Ananya Upendran herself off the field offers a lot of lessons are united by their familiarity with pain, In the period following the World Cup, – always looking to improve and guide by revolts by their bodies in the last year. Bisht found herself in and out of the Indian others. She had to miss the majority of the Weeks spent in lonely hotel rooms, away setup, unsure of not only her place in the 2017 WC campaign after hurting a finger, from family. Naps on the physio’s table, as XI, but in the squad of 15 as well. Between and looked doubtful for the ongoing World familiar now as your own bed. Both know January 1, 2018 to January 1, 2019, India T20 because of a sinus surgery. But she was these, thanks to cartilage injuries in their played 12 ODIs, of which Bisht featured in determined to recover on time to make it to knees. only six. Her returns during that period, the Caribbean. read: 54 overs, 4 maiden, 271 runs and Mandhana-Rodrigues pair strengthen eight wickets, at an average of 33.87 and Shillington, Joyce twins and Metcalfe their credentials at the top strike-rate of 40.5. Bisht’s economy was made cricket richer Ananya Upendran 5.01— close to one-and-a-half times her Sidhanta Patnaik That was the only chance career figure. She was much Shillington’s career spanned 7773 days, Rodrigues would give the New Zealanders slower through the air, as if trying to mimic during which Ireland played only 166 over the next 32.2 overs. After she got her more successful teammates, and looked matches across three formats. In other off the mark, batting seemed to become to have lost the plot— low on confidence, words, she potentially had a chance to simple. A push through extra cover off desperate to make an impression and wear the Irish jersey for an official fixture

20 www.womenscriczone.com once in 47 days. In the similar time period, world at the moment— bat, there is an of New Zealand in 2019 seemed like the Australia Women’s team played 356 games intensity in everything they do. Every perfect stage. New Zealand was where – one every 22nd day. In corporate jargon, movement is purposeful and calculated. Mithali, in the 2000 Cricinfo World Cup, it’s called disparity or discrimination. It’s easy to recognise the ruthlessness in first showed glimpses of her ability with the the way they achieve dominance. With bat; it therefore seemed only apt that New Belief, clarity and rollicking support Mandhana, on the other hand, everything Zealand was where it finally happened. drive Windies at St.Lucia just seems to flow. Her footwork is Adam Collins graceful, almost an afterthought, her bat India have a lot of screws to tighten The music is the cream on the cake, the comes down perfectly through the line of before the next series Johnson Charles Stand setting the tempo the ball, and the ball pings off her blade. It Reema Malhotra with their drums and melody through is as if it is all happening in slow motion. The tables have turned quickly. Less than their trumpets, with a healthy dose of Her shot-making is not brutal. She never a fortnight ago, England were staring at a Christmas music woven through between appears to bludgeon her way to a score, but 0-3 whitewash against India in the One- overs. They say that 5400 were though before you know it, via trademark back- Day International series. They had lost the the gates on Friday night, a figure they foot punches, well timed pull shots, and first two matches to concede the series, expect to surpass when the locals play silken strokes over extra-cover and mid- but stormed back in the third ODI and England on Sunday (November 19). Good wicket, she has flown to a half century, at a carried the momentum to win the first two luck reproducing those numbers when strike-rate of 200. Internationals. Now India have England’s men visit the country early in the allowed England to inflict a whitewash New Year for a Test Match. EXCLUSIVE: breaks on them by losing the third T20I from down Bengal’s journey to the top a position of strength. It must be really The up and down life of Jemimah Sidhanta Patnaik disappointing for the team management Rodrigues in 15 balls Exactly 21 years and two days since she considering the target was 120 and the Snehal Pradhan walked starry eyed into , game was all but won till Smriti Mandhana This is where the tough part is supposed Jhulan Goswami has lived one of her and Mithali Raj were batting together. to start: a debut tour, to South Africa of dreams – winning a title for Bengal. all places. This is where the bowlers get Through the campaign, she gave her Arundhati lives her dream with quicker, the pitches get bouncier, and the everything, bowling 18 maidens for 11 mother’s support pressure gets too much for a 17-year old. wickets in 73.5 overs to go along with 149 Snehal Pradhan This is where all you’re expected to do is crucial runs in 11 matches. Her economy of Some athletes have a magnetic power in spend time finding your feet. And hope 2.28 was impeccable, as was her captaincy their performance. A glimpse, even just you’re not found out before that. as she carried the team along. a glance in their direction, can kindle a Instead Rodrigues makes runs. She bats forest-fire of ambition. Watching them is just three innings in the T20Is but is India’s The time has arrived for Smriti like listening to your favourite artist’s latest third highest scorer in the series. She shows Mandhana to be India’s new leader song, and finding that it was written just ability, intent and smarts. She hits over the Ananya Upendran for you. Every word resonates, every high top, she looks to turn dots into ones, she For someone so young, Mandhana note causes a tremor. That was what it was takes catches only taller athletes should be showed a great sense of grace and poise like for Reddy to watch Goswami in action able to. She is busy. She is dangerous. She – acknowledging the small, yet very for the first time. helps India win a T20 series abroad. She impactful, contributions of those around “It was in a practice game in Bangalore, makes it look easy. She is 17. her. She was a bespectacled youth who before the series against South Africa (in seemed eager to learn, improve and 2014). I was so mad about her that when I India’s over dependence on Mandhana become the best cricketer she could be. saw her bowl, I went in a corner and started and Harmanpreet raises questions over Her aim was simple even back then – win crying.” She laughs about it now, slightly team composition matches for India. embarrassed. Reddy was 17 then; four Ananya Upendran While 2016 may have been a tad too years later, she would be picked by the When Meg Lanning or — early for Mandhana to have taken over coach as one who could replace Goswami arguably two of the best batters in the the reins of the batting unit, India’s tour in the long run.

www.womenscriczone.com 21 A premium lifestyle magazine, exclusively Subscribe for for gentlemen years SUBSCRIBE 2 and win* & WIN!!!* Early bird subscribers save 35% on the cover price and also stand a chance to win big! worth `4994* Pick your freebies*

NO. OF ISSUES COVER PRICE NEWS STAND PRICE YOU PAY SPECIAL OFFER ASSURED GIFT

12 `150 `1,800 `1,260 30% NA

24 `150 `3,600 `2,340 35% Axor Helmet worth `4994*

PG 158-159_Urbane Subscription.indd 106 29-04-2019 20:17:54 A premium lifestyle magazine, exclusively Subscribe for for gentlemen years SUBSCRIBE 2 and win* & WIN!!!* Early bird subscribers save 35% on the cover price and also stand a chance to win big! worth `4994* Pick your freebies*

NO. OF ISSUES COVER PRICE NEWS STAND PRICE YOU PAY SPECIAL OFFER ASSURED GIFT

12 `150 `1,800 `1,260 30% NA

24 `150 `3,600 `2,340 35% Axor Helmet worth `4994*

PG 158-159_Urbane Subscription.indd 106 29-04-2019 20:17:54 COVER STORY

‘IF YOU SCORE, PEOPLE ARE GOING TO RESPECT YOU’

Smriti Mandhana talks about her rise to superstardom and becoming India’s batting centrepiece— a change in mindset that triggered a tremendous 15 months, the awards that followed, and her elevation to a leadership position.

• ANANYA UPENDRAN

ndian women’s cricket has to their maiden Test series win had its share of superstars. in England— a performance At her peak, Neetu that saw her become the first David was one of the Indian to win the ICC Women’s Imost feared bowlers on the Cricketer of the Year award in international circuit, taking 182 2007. wickets in 107 matches with her The inimitable Mithali left-arm spin. In 2004 and 2005, Raj, arguably India’s greatest she finished the highest wicket- ever batter, continues to break taker in ODIs with 33 wickets batting records. Through on both occasions. the early 2000s and well The following year, 2006, into the second decade of Jhulan Goswami was proving the 21st century, Raj has to the world why she is India’s effortlessly shouldered the greatest ever fast bowler— she weight of India’s batting. Her topped the wicket charts in both consistency— she boasts of Tests and ODIs with 19 and an ODI average of 51.29— is 23 wickets respectively. Her unmatched, and on only three Test tally included a historic occasions over 20 years has her

10-wicket haul that led India ODI average dropped below 40 Martis Ryan Photography:

24 www.womenscriczone.com www.womenscriczone.com 25 COVER STORY

in a calendar year. Mandhana’s domination on the field, the 22-year-old has While David, Goswami has been absolute. She amassed also won a number of awards and Raj’s numbers are 1,018 runs in ODIs, 874 runs and accolades. In September certainly beyond compare, in T20Is, 421 runs for Western 2018, Mandhana received the they never quite dominated Storm in the Women’s Cricket Arjuna Award for achievement the international circuit, or Super League (WCSL) in in sport; in December, she commanded a presence like England, and 318 runs for was crowned ICC Women’s Smriti Mandhana has done over Hurricanes in the ODI Cricketer of the Year, the last 15 months. Women’s Big Bash League and was awarded the Rachael Between 1 January 2018 (WBBL) in Australia. Heyhoe Flint Medal as the and 31 March 2019, Mandhana “Personally, the last year ICC Women’s Cricketer of the played 49 international or so has been good for me,” Year. Following her impressive matches, and scored 1,892 Mandhana told Women’s performances against the runs at an average of 44 and CricZone reflecting on the year Kiwis in which India secured Right: an impressive strike rate of gone by. “Some things which a historic ODI series win over Mandhana started 106.89, two centuries and 18 I felt were lacking in me as a New Zealand in New Zealand, 2018 with a half-centuries. To put her batter two years back, I tried the left-hander became the bang— registering her third ODI performances into perspective, to improve on. I trained really No.1 ranked batter in ODIs. century against , New Zealand’s hard on those aspects, and to In April 2019, Wisden named South Arica in opening batter, was the second come out and do that in the Mandhana Leading Woman South Africa. highest run getter across matches was a good feeling.” Cricketer of the Year. (PC: CSA) formats with 1,348 runs. To add to her prolific run “Getting these awards was

26 www.womenscriczone.com “The ICC award really meant a lot to me and it motivated me to work even harder and be a better player. The important thing now is to maintain that level of performance. It’s been a good 15 months, but I still think winning matches for India is much more important than personal performance.”

a small tick to (my) bucket- list. When Jhulu di had got her (ICC) award, I was still a kid (11-years-old). Back then, I really felt so proud that someone from India is getting such a huge award. So, to be the second person to do that was really something.” “The ICC award really meant a lot to me and it motivated me to work even harder and be a better player. The important thing now is to maintain that level of performance. It’s been a good 15 months, but I still think winning matches for India is much more important than personal performance. I am really aiming for winning matches and taking India through.” Based on numbers alone Mandhana’s game has come leaps and bounds since the 2017 Women’s World Cup. She has more than doubled both her ODI and T20I run tallies, Photography: Ryan Martis Ryan Photography: drastically improved her strike rate in both formats, increased

www.womenscriczone.com 27 COVER STORY

her boundary count, and boundary, meant singles were how consistently she scores at found a consistency that was hard to come by. She realised that strike rate. It’s just about Above: Mandhana wants previously lacking. that the “fielders are so much watching people and constantly her improvement to reflect quicker. What would probably learning. That is the best thing I in India’s performances, ‘TRYING TO ENJOY be a boundary, or at least a feel… As a player, the best way otherwise it counts for little. MY CRICKET’ two in domestic cricket, is you can improve is to watch (PC: ICC) Even before she had played her sometimes only a single! You and learn.” first full season of senior cricket really need to be spot on with And learn she did; Right: When in full flow, for Maharashtra, Mandhana’s your placement, otherwise it Mandhana’s meteoric rise, Mandhana looks a million name was doing the rounds— is easy to get blocked at one however cannot be attributed dollars-- her off-side play “Watch out for this girl”, they end.” This, coupled with her entirely to her buckling down is arguably the best in the whispered. “She is special”. In desire to dispatch every ball and focusing extra hard. She world. (PC: ICC) only her second match for the to the fence, meant that her was always sincere about her senior state team, the 15-year- first few years in international game— putting in the extra old left-handed batter, blasted a cricket were littered with starts batting hours at the nets and 124-ball 155 against Saurashtra. that showed glimpses of her making sure to train in the gym. Soon afterwards, in 2013, potential, but not much else. She had proven that she was she broke into the Indian team She looked a million dollars capable of developing into the having run riot in the domestic every time she walked in to bat, team’s batting centrepiece— age-group tournaments, but but the youngster’s tendency to half-centuries in England, a it took “one or two years” to get carried away often got the century in Australia and match- get used to the demands of better of her. winning performances at home international cricket. One of the Experience taught her that against New Zealand and problems she had in the early “it was not easy to come in and Sri Lanka. But inconsistency stages of her career was her straight away score.” She began plagued her. inability to rotate the strike— to look at others as potential Her transformation into hard hands being thrown at role models: “I actually kept Ms. Consistent began when she the ball in an effort to find the looking at Meg Lanning— suffered an anterior cruciate

28 www.womenscriczone.com “Now, even if I am T20I CAREER not looking good, TIME PERIOD M I R HS AVG SR 100S 50S FOURS SIXES or not timing the Debut - 31 Dec 2017 27 27 424 52 17.66 96.58 0 1 49 3 ball well, I know 1 Jan 2018- 31 Mar 2019 31 29 874 86 31.21 134.25 0 8 107 26

I have to stick Career 58 56 1298 86 24.96 119.08 0 9 156 29 around. I can’t just throw my wicket stroke-maker— strong shots away. If the team off the back-foot, a crisp push through the off-side on the wants me to stay front foot, and an effective on the wicket, shovel pull. If the conditions suited her, she made the most then that is what I of them, but sometimes lacked think.” the patience to eke out runs on tougher surfaces or against more disciplined attacks. Her ligament injury during her batting was a lot of wonderful first WBBL stint with things, but she needed to learn Heat, barely five months before to get ‘ugly runs’. the 2017 Women’s World Cup. “You know, earlier, I had Mandhana used her time off to this thing in me that if I am reflect on her game. batting well, I have to middle “I used to feel like not every ball,” Mandhana says. scoring runs is the worst thing “That thought process has in life but (after the injury) I definitely changed over the last

started thinking: ‘No, at least couple of years. Now, even if Martis Ryan Photography: I’m getting to go out on the field I am not looking good, or not wearing the Indian jersey.’ Not timing the ball well, I know I many get to do that. I am lucky. have to stick around. I can’t just Now, if I get runs or don’t get throw my wicket away. If the runs, I’m just going out there team wants me to stay on the trying to enjoy my cricket.” she wicket, then that is what I think. told The Guardian during her So I guess that’s one major thing WCSL stint last July. that has changed for me… and She went to the 2017 World the responsibility also helps— Cup with this changed attitude; to be a bit mature and not just and the moment she struck throw your wicket away.” for her first Mandhana’s journey to boundary, Mandhana became improvement continued once the new face of Indian women’s the Indian team returned from cricket. Her fresh outlook England. While the country was saw her start with scores of celebrating the achievements 90 and 106 , but form of it’s women cricketers in the deserted her as the tournament World Cup, and her teammates progressed. Opposition bowlers were enjoying their well earned attacked the stumps, refusing to rest after six testing months of give her anything short or wide, and the left-hander often tried ODI CAREER to hit her way out of it. TIME PERIOD M I R HS AVG SR 100S 50S FOURS SIXES LEARNING TO BAT UGLY Debut - 31 Dec 2017 32 32 933 106* 30.09 76.66 2 6 118 6 Graceful, elegant, regal, and classical: words that are often 1 Jan 2018- 31 Mar 2019 18 18 1018 135 67.86 90.97 2 10 120 16 used to describe Mandhana’s Career 50 50 1951 135 42.41 83.51 4 16 238 22 batting. She was always a

www.womenscriczone.com 29 COVER STORY

continuous cricket, the left- hander went straight back to work at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore. Her routine was rigorous— training in the morning, batting in the afternoon sometimes, and then going through her rehabilitation program in the evening. It was painful and a lot of hard work, but she knew it was necessary to make sure her body would hold up under the stressful demands of the season ahead. In addition to all the technical tweaks she made after the World Cup— the slightly open stance, a small grip adjustment, and a more conscious effort to push on to the front foot first— it was Mandhana’s change in her attitude towards the game that led her to this consistency. “I think the batting approach was still the same. The only thing which I had to focus on was trying to bat for longer periods— whether I was ‘looking good’ or not,” she explains. “It was about picking the right shot, understanding when to play the attacking shots and when to curb your instincts. I have begun to understand my responsibility within the team… I want to win more matches for India.” While the left-hander’s stocks have risen meteorically since 2017, the rest of India’s batting unit has failed to register a similar consistency. Aside from Mithali Raj (530 runs) and (419 runs), no other Indian batter has managed to cross the 250-run mark in ODIs since January 2018. Although their T20I records have been a tad better— Harmanpreet Kaur (687 runs), Raj (656 runs) and Rodrigues (608 runs)— India have largely struggled to string together consistent wins in that format. The weight of the batting

line-up therefore has rested Martis Ryan Photography:

30 www.womenscriczone.com Left: In the last 15 months, Mandhana has doubled her run tally, drastically improved her strike rate, increased her boundary count, and found a consistency that was previously lacking. (PC: ICC)

Below: Smriti has often spoken about the role that her parents, Shrinivas and Smita, and brother, Shravan, have played in her development. (PC: Ryan Martis)

largely on Mandhana’s young play till 50 overs and take the shoulders— a responsibility team through. It’s good for my that she has thoroughly game.” enjoyed. If there is one innings “As a 10 or 11-year-old I that showcases Mandhana’s used to always think that I development through this should be winning matches for period it is her 109-ball 86 that India or my state team. I wanted guided India to a one-wicket the other team (opposition) win over England in Nagpur in players to really celebrate April last year. “I would never my wicket— like, dance or speak about any of my innings, something! I used to think that but I brag about that knock (the I should have the responsibility 86 v England),” Mandhana told of the entire … The Cricket Monthly. “If I have All these things, I wanted to feel proud of one knock, it’d them. Now that I have them I be that one, because I had to bat don’t want to take pressure or out of my skin in that game. I anything like that.” had a bit of pressure on myself “It’s a good feeling that because wickets were falling the team is a bit dependent— at the other end, and the pitch maybe 10-20% —on me. I think wasn’t easy to bat on at all. The it actually helps me when I ball was turning square, one bat. Like, in ODIs when I am ball was bouncing, the next in the zone, and then I play ball was keeping low. So to four dot balls, then I am all like be able to go on the front foot ‘abhi toh maarungi mein!’ (I’m and just do a dead defence was going to smash the next one), something I felt prouder of than it (that extra responsibility) hitting a straight drive. That’s makes me think that I have to not my game. So I had to take

www.womenscriczone.com 31 COVER STORY

the responsibility of changing with the ones and twos. She my game and play that kind was making clear that captaincy of a knock, and India won the would not affect her output match. So that counts.” with the bat. “For me, captaincy doesn’t LEADERSHIP ROLE really relate anything to my Mandhana became India’s fifth batting,” she says. “I have T20I captain when she walked always been taught by my out for the toss in the 1st T20I coaches that whenever you bat, against England in Guwahati think that you are the captain. on 4 March 2019. Although she You have that responsibility. had the experience of leading If you are going out to bat, various domestic teams for you have to think that you are close to five years, the 22-year- leading the team and you have old was visibly nervous and to finish the match. I don’t think uncharacteristically, always a batting and captainship… It step or two behind the batters. doesn’t really relate to me that “It (captaincy) was a good much.” experience. I learnt a lot about This is a very different myself. In the first match, I was Mandhana of the early years: very nervous because it was the “Initially, it (people’s opinions) first time I was leading (India). I used to bother me a lot. Two normally don’t get nervous, so I years back I actually used to was not able to handle that. I was keep thinking what people really hard on myself as well.” think about my batting, how As the series wore on, I am as a player or a person however, Mandhana showed and all. I used to always worry signs of being comfortable in when I thought someone didn’t her new role. Although she think highly of me! It also used was unable to register her first to bother me that people think win as skipper, India put up I am a back foot player, so I improved performances in thought I should stop playing the field and looked tactically back foot and start playing front more aware. Mandhana gave foot. All these things I had in a glimpse of what she has to my mind! But two years back offer as a leader: the ability to I just sat down and thought bring people together and instill you know, if you play that ball within them a sense of belief on the back foot and still time and common purpose. the ball, middle it, and it goes “In the first game when for boundary, there will be a I was batting I was thinking time where people will try and about taking responsibility, but play like that… Rather than Raman sir told me something changing your own game, you that helped me overcome those stick to your strength.” feelings. After that— second “So I told myself, you know and third match— I was really what, you bat the way you calm. I was not nervous at all. want to… If you score, people I was thinking that it’s just a are going to respect you, and if match… I was all normal. I you don’t, people are anyways definitely would have loved to not going to respect you. So win the series but then…” it’s just about going out there In the final game of the and doing your job rather than series, Mandhana scored a thinking what people have to scintillating 58 off 33 balls, say about you.” finding the boundary with ease, Mandhana’s maturity and but also making sure that she growth as a leader not only

kept the scoreboard ticking shows in her batting, but also in Martis Ryan Photography:

32 www.womenscriczone.com “As a 10 or the way she speaks. She is very failure should not change the not just for herself, but for forthright, her tone is always way you bat. That is one thing the team as well. She wants 11-year-old I used measured, and her answers well that I always tell everyone. her improvement to reflect in to always think thought out. The fact that she There is a thin line between India’s performances, otherwise acknowledges every player’s careless and fearless. You it counts for little. that I should be contribution, however big or have to be fearless but not Not one to rest on her winning matches small, and understands their careless— there should be a laurels, she is now back to work uniqueness, is what separates balance between them. If I say and looking ahead with her for India or my her from the rest. More fearless and then they go first sights firmly fixed on the next state team. I importantly, she is aware of the ball and do something that is target. wanted the other need to be patient with the new not their strength… That is not “World Cup, yaar! crop of players coming in. something which I want them to Definitely World Cup,” she team (opposition) “I think it’s unfair to do. Whatever I have spoken to says without any hesitation. players to expect the girls coming in them, it is just about how they “To win the World Cup… That now to adjust (to the scoring are as players— sticking to their has always been the case! Only really celebrate rates of international cricket) strengths, not what people are after winning World Cups will my wicket— immediately… They have not talking about you.” the dream of playing for India played that kind of batting in Mandhana is undeniably be fulfilled!” like, dance or last six years (at the domestic someone who is hungry for something!” level), so you can’t expect them success, always looking to get Ananya Upendran is an India A, to start it in two or three days. It better, and aware of the team’s Hyderabad and Sikkim allrounder took us all a while to make the interests. Personal success who also works as a freelance jump, but approach and intent matters little if the team does journalist. Her writing has is important.” not register a win – it is a belief appeared in Wisden India, First “Everyone has that fear of which she is instilling in the Post and CricketCountry. She failure, but for me, the fear of younger group. She sets aims, tweets @a_upendran11. PC: ICC

www.womenscriczone.com 33 NUMBERS GAME

DECODING THE NUMBERS BEHIND THE BATTING REVOLUTION

Rising run rates, boundary counts and team totals— T20I cricket has triggered a massive change to the way the women now approach ODIs.

• JOHN LEATHER

n the first decade of the between the established top ten 21st century, only in 2007 nations, the run rate in 2018, was the women’s ODI 6.72 rpo, was the highest for a run rate in a calendar year calendar year in which more Imore than four runs per over than 10 matches were played, (rpo). In the current decade, and the rate in 2019, 6.63 rpo, is that marker has been crossed second by that criteria. seven times with the years between 2016 and 2019 having RECORDS TUMBLE the highest ODI run rates The 2018 Women’s T20 World ever. 2018 at 4.67 rpo set a new Cup broke the record for most record, while the run rate in sixes at a single edition of the 2019 is currently third highest tournament—75 sixes at a rate at 4.33 rpo. of one six per 65 balls faced At first glance, women’s —comfortably beating the T20Is don’t seem to follow previous best of 57 in the 2014 this trend. The run rate in edition. The opening match saw 2019 which reads 4.97 rpo, the Harmanpreet Kaur’s century, lowest for any calendar year, the first by an Indian woman in is misleading. After all it has T20Is, propel her team to 194/5 come on the back of the ICC’s against New Zealand— a new decision, made in June 2017, to highest total for the Women’s extend international status to T20 World Cup. all T20s played by its member The run rate for the nations. For matches played tournament as a whole (6.03

34 www.womenscriczone.com www.womenscriczone.com 35 NUMBERS GAME

WOMEN’S ODI RUN RATE BY CALENDAR YEAR WOMEN’S T20 CENTURIES BY YEAR

Note:- Unless otherwise stated, T20I stats mentioned from here on will be in reference to matches played between the established top ten sides only.

36 www.womenscriczone.com WOMEN’S ODI BALLS FACED AVERAGE WOMEN’S ODI PER SIX BY CALENDAR YEAR IN THE T20I ERA 1ST INNING TOTAL BY WORLD CUP CYCLE

rpo) didn’t break any records, of which have come in India’s because persistent wet weather domestic competition— there in Antigua (5.98 rpo) and St had only been one previous Lucia (5.29 rpo) created largely century in all previous Indian When the first bowler friendly conditions. domestic seasons combined. However, the run rate in T20I was played Providence Guyana (6.58 rpo), THE T20 EFFECT at Hove in 2004 which hosted half the group This batting revolution didn’t —a game which games, was the highest for a occur overnight. While the ground where more than one ODI run rate has been on an didn’t feature a match was played in a single upward trend since the 1993 six— sixes in edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup when all ODIs were World Cup. standardised to 50 overs, it’s women’s ODIs Following that, the 2018-19 the developments since the were hit at an Women’s Big Bash League, introduction of T20 cricket that which concluded in January, have been most striking. When average rate of rewrote the record books—the the first T20I was played at 1,092 Bp6. In 2018 tournament run rate soared at Hove in 2004 —a game which and 2019 that rate 7.31 rpo, 1,577 fours and 270 didn’t feature a six— sixes in sixes were hit,there were a women’s ODIs were hit at an has increased record six centuries and 63 half- average rate of 1,092 balls faced almost seven fold centuries, and Ellyse Perry who per six (Bp6). In 2018 and 2019 Left: Boasting of the to 162 Bp6. strongest and best finished with an astonishing that rate has increased almost developed domestic tally of 777 runs comfortably seven fold to 162 Bp6. setup, Australia continue beat the previous record of The rate at which Australia to set the pace in most runs in a season by a women currently hit ODI sixes women’s cricket’s nascent margin of 217 runs. (115 Bp6 in the last 12 months) professional era. Since January 2017, as is now comparable to the rate (PC: Cricket Australia) many as 33 T20 centuries have at which they cleared the ropes been made, including a record in T20Is a decade ago (107 Bp6 Opening Page: Danielle Wyatt has scored two T20I 19 in 2018 alone. Less than a in 2009). The same is true for centuries, both of which third of the way through 2019, New Zealand — a current ODI have come in successful there have already been five rate of 110 Bp6 vs 100 Bp6 in chases. (PC: ICC) women’s T20 centuries, four T20Is in 2009. England (200 vs

www.womenscriczone.com 37 NUMBERS GAME

38 www.womenscriczone.com 255) and South Africa (105 vs introduced improved national 143) now hit sixes more often contracts which set off a wave in ODIs than they did during of increased remuneration T20Is in 2009. The most eye- among the other established catching improvement though nations. The first to respond has been by India, who now were England in 2014, and hit ODI sixes over three times the most recent have been more often (149 Bp6) than Ireland, whose first batch of they did in T20Is during 2009 professional national contracts (449 Bp6). Once a somewhat begin this year. Further underpowered side, since the increases in 2017, as well as start of 2018, only West Indies having by far the strongest and (38 Bp6) and South Africa (39) best developed domestic setup, have hit sixes more often in means Australia continue to set T20Is than India (41). the pace in women’s cricket’s Since the 2017 World Cup nascent professional era. the average women’s ODI 2013 was also notable first innings total has been 226 in being the first time the and the average winning 1st women’s Ashes was played as a innings total 282, compared multi-format series, which was with 203 and 241 respectively quickly followed by a return in the 2013-17 cycle. The only series in Australia in 2014. bigger rise between previous These series were notable not Women’s World Cup cycles so much for the influence of the was between the 1988-93 and format as for the fact that all 1993-97 cycles, which coincided the limited overs matches were with the standardisation of televised, a rarity for bilateral ODIs to 50 overs a side. women’s cricket at the time. Although T20Is first made The increased visibility and their appearance in 2004, it viability of women’s cricket wasn’t until 2009 that more as a media product outside than a handful of matches were of major tournaments paved played per year— the start of the way for developments in the Women’s T20 World Cup Australia’s domestic setup in was the reason for that. In many the near future. ways it appears that the shortest The ODI leg of the 2014 format has been the catalyst for Ashes also marked the the change in approach in ODIs, start of the ICC Women’s but the numbers suggest that Championship (ICCWC)— the the brand of T20I cricket didn’t new format for World Cup change much between 2009 qualification which required and 2013. During that period the top eight sides to play series the average batting strike rate against each other during each hovered around 90 and sixes World Cup cycle. This has came at a rate of over 120 Bp6. been the key to improving the competitiveness of nations CONTRACTS AND formerly on the fringes. PROFESSIONALISM Before the ICCWC, In 2013, following their ODI had played a World Cup win, Australia combined total of five

www.womenscriczone.com 39 NUMBERS GAME

Since the 2017 World Cup the average women’s ODI first innings total has been 226 and the average winning first innings total 282, compared with 203 and 241 respectively in the 2013-17 cycle.

bilateral ODI fixtures against The next major WOMEN’S T20 BALLS FACED PER SIX BY CALENDAR YEAR Stats for matches played between the established top ten sides only. Australia, England and New development in women’s Zealand over the course of cricket came in December 2015, seventeen years. Since the when the first WBBL season start of the championship, was played in Australia. It was however, Pakistan have the first professional domestic played eighteen bilateral ODIs T20 league in the women’s against those nations. During game, and was shortly followed the 2017-2021 cycle of the by England’s Women’s Cricket ICCWC, Pakistan recorded Super League in 2016. their first international win Both these leagues have against New Zealand, beat been characterised by year the West Indies in a series for on year increases in batting the first time, and are well strike rates, boundary rates— placed to gain automatic particularly six-hitting— and qualification for the 2021 rising totals. The most recent World Cup in New Zealand. WBBL season saw a rate

40 www.womenscriczone.com TOTAL TEAM OPPOSITION VENUE DATE TOTAL TEAM OPPOSITION VENUE DATE Total Team Opposition Venue Date 250/3 England South Africa Taunton 20-Jun-18 199/3 England India Mumbai 25-Mar-18 216/1 New Zealand South Africa Taunton 20-Jun-18 181/6 England Australia 21-Nov-17 210/5 Namibia Lesotho Gaborne 23-Aug-18 168/3 India South Africa Potchefstroom 13-Feb-18 209/4 Australia England Mumbai 31-Mar-18 166/4 South Africa England Taunton 23-Jun-18 205/1 South Africa Netherlands Potchefstroom 14-Oct-10 165/2 England Australia The Oval 19-Jun-09 204/2 England Sri Lanka Colombo 28-Mar-19 164/4 Australia New Zealand Sydney 28-Sep-18 203/3 United Arab Emirates China Bangkok 13-Jan-19 156/4 Australia India Mumbai 22-Mar-18 199/3 England India Mumbai 25-Mar-18 156/7 South Africa West Indies Tarouba 6-Oct-18 198/4 India England Mumbai 25-Mar-18 154/4 West Indies India Vijayawada 18-Nov-16 195/3 Australia Pakistan Kuala Lumpur 25-Oct-18 153/3 Australia England Taunton 2-Sep-05 194/5 India New Zealand Providence 9-Nov-18 of 49 Bp6. This high strike powerplay overs was reduced between 2014-18. The rate for seven of the ten have also made rate, boundary-heavy brand from five to four. These 2019 is currently 65 Bp6. their record successful T20I of cricket being played in conditions had been in place Since the end of the first chases during this period. Australia closely resembles in the WBBL since the second WBBL season in 2015/16, Nine of the fifteen the game being played at top season in 2016-17. four of the ten current ODI successful T20I chases of echelons of international cricket Whether this change nations have made their targets exceeding 150 have in recent times. In fact, the was necessary in a sport that highest ODI total —including occurred since the 2017 World average winning 1st innings was already moving in the New Zealand’s world record Cup, including England’s total in the 2018 WCSL, and the direction of increased power 491/4 vs Ireland— and seven record 199 vs India at Mumbai 2018-19 WBBL was 159— the and boundary hitting is up for have achieved their highest in March 2018. Eight of the same as T20Is in 2019 so far. debate, but what is clear though successful chase. Between nine women’s T20I series or is that this, combined with 1973-2015 there had been eight tournaments with the highest CHANGE IN PLAYING increased professionalism, as successful 250+ women’s ODI overall run rate have taken CONDITIONS well as generally better playing chases, but since the start of place during this period. After the record breaking surfaces, has led to a notably 2016 a further eight 250+ targets The remarkable 2017 World Cup, the ICC more aggressive intent from have been successfully chased developments in recent years made a significant change to batters. down— the most recent being will not have been welcomed the women’s international In T20Is the rate of six Sri Lanka’s win over India by bowlers, whose averages playing conditions: the number hitting increased by at least 10% at Katunayake in September and economy rates have taken of fielders allowed outside compared with the previous last year; their 257/7 was the a beating. However, increased the inner circle during non- calendar year in every year highest ever ODI chase by an aggression means increased Asian side. risk. The collective strike rate The developments in T20Is of women’s ODI bowlers in have been even more dramatic, 2018, 38.1, was the lowest for WOMEN’S T20 AVERAGE 1ST INN. TOTAL BY CALENDAR YEAR Stats for matches played between the established top ten sides only. particularity since the change any calendar year. In T20Is, of playing conditions post the bowlers collective strike rate 2017 World Cup. The average of 20.5 was the second best for winning 1st innings total in any year in which more than T20Is hovered around the 130s ten matches were played. for the best part of a decade, It seems the women are before leaping to 156 last year adapting nicely to the fast paced and reaching a record high of style of the shortest format— the 159 in 2019 so far. Ten of the 2020 Women’s World T20 in eleven highest women’s T20I Australia will most likely see the totals, including England’s next peak scaled. record 250/3 vs South Africa, have occurred since the 2017 John Leather lives in the UK and World Cup. Seven of the watches too much cricket. He established top ten have set tweets at @_hypocaust. newest highest totals, and

www.womenscriczone.com 41 BEYOND THE BOUNDARY

DRIVING THE FUTURE OF WOMEN’S CRICKET IN THE OUTPOSTS

Associate nations have gained visibility and validation thanks to the ICC’s move to declare all T20 games between national teams as T20Is, now they must find a way to sustain a livelihood and interest in the sport.

• KARUNYA KESHAV as Elysa was a Botsogo Mpedi had raised the between national teams as regular cricket- bar for best innings figures, also internationals. loving, hijab- with 6 for 8, but in just 15 balls. Rankings algorithms, wearing 17-year- They’ve joined players from eligibility criteria, standardised Mold in Malaysia with a wide, Myanmar, UAE, Thailand and scoring platforms, anti- bright smile – until suddenly one China, who since August 2018 corruption systems all had to day there was nothing regular have given cricket’s stats-heads a hasten to catch up, and concerns about her. Elysa’s leg-breaks cornucopia of thrills in rewriting remain, but that paled under catapulted her to the record the superlatives of the game – the fact that the likes of Belize books – the very top of the highest, best, first; but also, on and Bhutan and Swaziland and honours board for best bowling the other side of the coin, lowest Argentina found space in the performances in a Twenty20 and worst – and driving the records books, ranking charts International – when she took 6 future of women’s cricket in the and consciousness. for 3 against China in early 2019. outposts. The immediate effect, apart One month later, Nepal’s All this was down to a from validation, was visibility. Nary Thapa took 6 for 8. Four revolutionary change: ICC’s The next challenge for these months previously, Botswana’s move to declare all T20 games teams is to build on it. ‘If you

42 www.womenscriczone.com can’t see it, you can’t be it’ is one the Associate pie was left unsaid, way to sustain a livelihood and of rallying calls of this brave but easily understood. interest in the sport. Thailand, new world that is promising to The distinction between for instance, links cricket to take its women more seriously cricket’s haves and have-nots also getting a higher education, The distinction than before. The world now sees has always been stark, and are PNG offers players vocational between cricket’s the scores, the next step is to see amplified for the female players training, China is creating the faces beyond the names, the who are fighting to bridge opportunities for potential haves and have- actions behind the records, the the gulf between not only the coaches. nots has always context behind the careers. wallets of their parent boards After the Women’s T20 The vehicle, for now, has to but also the social mores they World Cup, Ireland got their been stark, and are be T20. For better or for worse, find themselves in. Forget about contracts. It was welcome. amplified for the cricket administrators see T20 the Associates, all teams outside Now, though, they continue as the way forward for the the top six struggle with this. to wait for their opportunities. female players who women’s game. The ICC recently “It’s so incredibly frustrating,” a Finding avenues outside the are fighting to bridge made public its intent to bid for tearful Laura Delany, Ireland’s ICC qualifying events is, like the gulf between not women’s cricket to be included captain, said after a Women’s for so many Associate teams, a in the 2022 Commonwealth T20 World Cup loss to Pakistan, challenge. Mas Elysa and her ilk only the wallets of Games. “It was part of the global the one match-up they dared are ready; the cricket world now their parent boards strategy for cricket to inspire to target. “Because if we were has to make room for them. and empower women and girls professional, I wonder what the but also the social around the world and to drive score would’ve been out there Karunya Keshav is co-author of mores they find greater levels of inclusivity and today.” The Fire Burns Blue – A History opportunity throughout the Becoming ‘professional’ is of Women’s Cricket in India. Her themselves in. sport,” a statement said. The the ideal for all sportspersons; writing on sports and lifestyle has monetary boost it would give but Associate nations have a appeared in Wisden, the Hindu and boards scrambling for a share of chance to show a more rounded Outlook. She tweets @kuks.

Left: Bangladesh, Ireland, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Thailand, Uganda and United Arab Emirates pose for a photograph during the 2018 ICC World T20 Qualifiers in Netherlands. (PC: ICC)

Right: ICC’s move to declare all T20 games between national teams as internationals means that there is greater recognition for the performances of teams like Thailand. (PC: ICC)

www.womenscriczone.com 43 BEYOND THE BOUNDARY

FROM BACKYARD TO BIG LEAGUES MAKING THE JUMP FROM DOMESTIC TO INTERNATIONAL CRICKET

What does it take to succeed at the international level? Three cricketers discuss their initial experiences at the highest level, how they made the adjustment from domestic cricket, and ways to ease the transition.

BECOMING COMFORTABLE IN MY OWN SKIN • FRANCES MACKAY

un on your back, runs pick up a few wickets, try out when you are sitting alone better than those I was used to are easy to come by, the your new variations and walk dissecting the day’s events, the facing in domestic cricket, but bowler looks fatigued off the park happy. doubts begin creeping into your the biggest difference was the and you are full of Next, you reach the mind, tearing your confidence fact that everyone who bowled Sconfidence, as you should international level, and it’s to shreds. was equally good— there be, playing a backyard game like playing against your older wasn’t a weak bowler I could against your younger siblings. siblings. They are better— way hen I made my look to target. Although I made The best comparison that can be better! They bat and bat and bat international debut in a solid 36 in my first game made when talking about the some more— they pick your W2011 (an ODI against before being run out, it felt as difference between domestic variations and hit you around Australia in Brisbane) I was a though that was just beginners and international cricket is the park. You aren’t used to bundle of nerves. The first ball luck. I was constantly filled comparing it with backyard going this long without taking I faced was a knee high full toss with doubts about whether I cricket games. Domestic cricket a wicket or bowling a maiden. that I solidly defended to extra was actually good enough to be is like when you are playing The day just doesn’t seem to cover. My first international playing at that level. against your younger siblings, end but passes you by in a blur. runs came a few deliveries later, In a sport where it often where you are better, more When you walk in to bat, runs via an edge through the slip feels like you are playing skillful, stronger and faster. are suddenly hard to come by. cordon for four. Not the most an individual game in a You bat for a long time only The bowling is faster, more promising of starts; everything team environment, dealing choosing to let go when you accurate, and the fielders form felt like it was happening at with failure as a cricketer is have grown bored, or make a an impenetrable ring around hyper speed. extremely hard. In my first stint mistake playing an adventurous you. Your innings is short, and Honestly, Australia’s of playing for New Zealand, shot. Then you have a bowl, mostly edgy. After it’s all over, opening bowlers weren’t any where failure happened more

44 www.womenscriczone.com often than it did in domestic the field for domestic cricket cricket, I certainly did not cope and then international cricket well. I was desperate for success against India earlier this year. and put so much pressure on Over the years, I have had myself that it had a negative plenty of domestic successes effect on my performances. as well as failures and learnt On the one hand I believed I how to better ride the waves deserved some success because that come with top level I was training incredibly hard, sport. Understanding what is but on the other, I didn’t truly important to me and staying believe I belonged. The step true to my values made me between domestic cricket and not only a better cricketer but international cricket felt so great a better teammate and person that it was almost like playing a as well. I spent almost five different sport. years outside of the national Strangely enough, it was in side, initially desperate to be the series before I was dropped reselected and get another go; that it all clicked into place. It later, these feelings transferred was during New Zealand’s to a belief and understanding first league match of the 2014 that I had the game and mental World T20 against Australia. skills to be successful if I were I was bowling the last over, to get another international when they make it to the highest and they needed 10 runs to opportunity and that my level it isn’t such a shock to win with two wickets in hand. energies were better spent Left: Frances Mackay the system, and they can trust I held my nerve and got the sharing my knowledge with celebrates a series victory that they have the ability both team over the line with three others and enjoying my cricket with her teammates physically and mentally to be balls to spare. The feeling and my teammates’ company. at the start of her successful. of winning a game for your I spent less time concerned international career. (PC: The more steps that can country is second to none— it with what people might Frances Mackay) be put in place leading up gave me a lot of confidence think of me and more time to international cricket will and showed me I was good focused on what I was doing Top: Mackay, who took make for a better success rate a while to start believing enough to succeed at this level. and offering to the team. amongst debutants and offer in her ability at the Unfortunately I wasn’t selected international level, is seen international teams more for New Zealand again for nternational cricket is a here celebrating a wicket stability within their side, rather quite some time, but I was able tough school— you are not with her New Zealand than just a revolving door of to bank away this experience only battling the opposition, teammates. (PC: Frances selections. At the end of the day I Mackay) and took great confidence and but also the demons inside your a gap will always exist between determination into my domestic head. More often than not this is domestic and international cricket where I flourished and because of the relative ease with cricket but it doesn’t have to be have averaged over 55 with the which players (myself included) insurmountable. However, it bat across both formats over the succeed at domestic level— they is easier to walk up a carefully last five years. therefore don’t build up the planned out and supported set of One thing that I learnt mental strength, resilience or steps and into the international through my time out of the deep understanding of their game rather than attempting international circuit was game to initially crack it at the to jump from the bottom rung to enjoy the game and not next level. and cling onto the ledge by your carry the weight of my own Due to a smaller number of fingertips hoping for the best. expectation anymore. Training players in the women’s setup, hard, putting myself out of young players often are selected Frances Mackay is the Canterbury my comfort zone, developing for their country after one good Magicians captain, injured good situational awareness and breakout season— this often NZ White Fern, top order bat most importantly, becoming means that the jump feels huge. and off-spin bowler who longs comfortable with exactly who I Where governing bodies can to one day be able to bowl left am as a person and as a cricketer help with this is by having ‘A’ handed too. She is a complete helped me return to the and underage programmes. It cricket geek who is now dipping international setup. This left me is here, in these development her toes in the world of sports able to think clearly and react sides that players can build media and cricket commentary. purely on instinct when I took their experience and skills so She tweets @FrankieMac71.

www.womenscriczone.com 45 BEYOND THE BOUNDARY

COMPLACENCY CAN BE THE END OF YOU • KARUNA JAIN

hen I made my easier than it would have do now, it took a great deal of I suppose in many ways I international debut in otherwise been. When we work to get used to the pace of was lucky to have spent a couple W2004 (an ODI against trained together, she always the game at the highest level. of years in an environment as West Indies in Lucknow) I had set high standards and pushed International cricket is not professional as Air India. Since already played close to six years me to get better everyday. She only about skill and fitness, the squad was filled with high of domestic cricket; one of those was the kind of person who had but also how mentally strong quality players, we were always was for Air India— one of the the ability to instill confidence you are— how quickly you pushing each other for places. best, and most professional in everyone she worked with. can dig yourself out of a hole When I came back to Karnataka teams on the circuit. The Air Of course, compared to when things aren’t going well. I continued to make sure that India team boasted of many domestic cricket there was quite The biggest difference I was improving everyday— I international stars, including a big difference in the standard for me as a batter at the understood my responsibility to , and of game at the international international level was the try and consistently win games Jhulan Goswami— rubbing level, especially when it came to standard of . Singles for my team. I always believed shoulders with them certainly facing the fast bowlers. I don’t taken at domestic level were that if you want to succeed at helped me grow as a cricketer. remember playing against pace easily cut off in international the top level, you have to be At 18, I was a confident bowlers in domestic cricket who cricket. That is when I had to able to dominate at the level young player with a lot of runs bowled so quick and were so learn to be more aggressive below— that helps build a great under my belt, and the backing consistent. I would not say that and start playing lofted shots deal of confidence in a player, of some of the best players in it was hard to negotiate them, to try and push the field back. and makes you feel like you the country, so to be honest, but the challenge was finding Like I said, the challenge was to are ready to make the step up. when I played my first game ways to be better than them. constantly find ways to be better It is not uncommon to for India I didn’t really feel The initial years at the than the opponents. At domestic feel out of your depth when the pressure. After all, I had international level were quite level you are often in your you first make the step up the complete support of my tough for me. As a wicket- comfort zone and sometimes to international cricket, but parents, and had trained under keeper and opening batter I can play on cruise control, but what matters is how quickly a coach, Irfan Sait, who had had to make sure that I was in international cricket, every you adapt to the demands prepared me to play against the both physically ready and ball is a battle and you have of the game and your team’s very best. Also, there was Anju mentally switched on at all to constantly make sure your requirements. That is where I di, who made my transition times. Since international series game is evolving. Complacency believe ‘A’ series— both home to international cricket much didn’t happen as often as they can often be the end of you. and away— can make a big difference in the current set up. I was lucky enough to play a few India A games myself, and also tour Pakistan with the India Under-21 team, so those experiences certainly helped me identify the skills I needed to sharpen to make the transition to the top level easier.

Karuna Jain is a former Indian wicket-keeper batter and a proud Air Indian. She tweets @VKarunaJain

Left: Karuna Jain poses with the 2006 npower Test series trophy in England. (PC: Karuna Jain/ Facebook)

46 www.womenscriczone.com www.womenscriczone.com 47 BEYOND THE BOUNDARY

• MARINA IQBAL

GETTING USED TO THE PACE OF THE GAME

othing can quite trials— these were the players like at the highest level. through the ranks. Straight prepare you for who made up the national team. Looking back, I believe at away, since the number of girls Nthe pressures of In such a setup the jump the start of my international playing the sport has increased, international cricket. I to the international level was career, the lack of good, hard the domestic setup too, is remember one of the early immense— the pace of the competitive cricket meant I becoming more competitive. games in my career— a game was different, the quality took a while to gain confidence Of course, that has in no match against England in of cricket was different. The at the top level, but the more way completely closed the the inaugural edition of the professionalism and skills I played, the more confident I gap between domestic and Women’s World T20 in 2009— were nothing that we had became. Back then, we didn’t international cricket, but it has it was a surreal feeling, going experienced before, so the gap play too many (international) made things slightly easier. on to the ground, reflecting on was quite visible. However, tournaments, so it was about What I learnt through my journey into the national as a team, and as individual trying to create match scenarios my career is that apart from side. I remember the adrenaline players, we realised what in practice and test yourself having a positive mindset and rush when I walked out to we needed to work on to be there. Most often, that is not understanding the technical open the batting alongside able to compete at that level. enough, but we had to make do. and tactical side of the game, Bismah Maroof. We were With the limited resources Personally, my transition it is very important to have a chasing 123, and there I was and facilities we possessed we to international cricket strong base and understanding facing up to … I was implemented all the things became easier only when of what it is to play good, hard desperate to make an impact we learnt in our sessions— I started to practice and competitive cricket. The more on the game. I started with the fitness, conditioning train keeping in mind what competitive domestic matches a solid defensive stroke, a and practice routines were international players do. are, the easier the transition wild waft outside off stump, totally different for all of us. When I developed the right will be. Needless to say, the and then a lofted shot over In those days, regional mindset, my game at the atmosphere and pressure of an extra cover. When Guha came cricket was the route into the domestic level also changed— international match will always back at me with a short ball, I national team. I represented that did the trick for me, not get to you, at the start, no matter remember swinging blindly at Lahore for three years before just in terms of confidence, how good a player you are, but it. In those few minutes it was getting selected for my first but skill level as well— I a solid base/ years of playing in like my brain had shut down, national camp. My first day at became more consistent. challenging/ pressure situations and I was relying solely on my the National Cricket Academy Over the last few years, makes the transition slightly instincts to get me through… was mesmerizing— seeing things have changed quite less nerve-wracking. Until 2005, when women’s the senior players, who I significantly in Pakistan. The cricket came under the purview had heard so much about, domestic tournaments— we Marina Iqbal is a former Pakistan of the Pakistan Cricket Board, walking by was quite thrilling. play a 50-over challenge and a opening batter and leg-spin bowler. there was no competitive I learnt a lot at the academy— Departmental T20 tournament She served as vice-captain of domestic structure in Pakistan. understood my game, worked now— are well organised, the Pakistan team in 2010, and We had a pool of around 30 on my shortcomings and high quality matches with is now a cricket commentator. players, who were selected via saw what the game looked many more young girls coming She tweets @MarinaMI_24.

48 www.womenscriczone.com

BEYOND THE BOUNDARY ATHLETICISM A GAME CHANGER FOR Bottom: The Indian women are now well aware of the importance WOMEN’S CRICKET IN INDIA? of fitness, and the different standards of fitness Traditionally, cricket was always dependent on innate skills, expected even in the ‘’skill- based’’ game of cricket. but with the evolution of T20 cricket, fitness standards and (PC : ICC) athleticism have become equally important.

ATHLETICISM IS DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL • ANUJA DALVI TO VIEWERSHIP

3 July 2017— a date that cricketing world. They became and ask ourselves, what One-Day Internationals. fans of women’s cricket household names, attended makes women’s sport One of the main reasons is will remember for a long talk shows, walked down popular and how can it the athleticism portrayed time. A well balanced fashion show ramps looking gain more viewership? on field in the shortest 2England team faced off against dead gorgeous, and started According to 2018 Nielsen format— athleticism is directly a young, resurgent Indian receiving hefty endorsement study, women’s sports proportional to viewership. team at Lord’s, the mecca of deals. The stage was set— for viewership is on the rise and With this equation in mind, cricket. While England may more action and more glory! cricket is ranked 7th on the women’s cricket can see a have held their nerve to win Incredibly, the 2017 global stage— first being significant rise in popularity the high-stakes game by just Women’s World Cup reached track and field, followed if the fitness standards nine runs, leaving millions 180 million global viewers, very closely by tennis. improve along with the skills. of Indians heartbroken, hitting a 300% increase in Even if you don’t look Women’s cricket probably has it was Mithali Raj’s team viewing hours of women’s at the statistics, over past the greatest potential to be who had won millions of cricket. It also attracted few years, it has become in the league of sports where fans back home. On their almost 50,000 articles in evident that there is a striking gender difference doesn’t return to India, the team was print and digital media over increase in the number of interfere in the popularity swallowed in a sea of affection four weeks. How exciting! viewers of T20 cricket as and excitement of the game. and admiration from the Let’s take a pause here compared to men’s Test and Endurance, strength,

50 www.womenscriczone.com speed & power, flexibility, monitored over a longer cricket needs a special agility, balance & coordination, time. This requires setting up mention. This can be tackled by body composition, reaction evidence based guidelines implementing ACL prevention time, analytic & tactical Even if you and choosing the player programs from younger age. ability, motivation & self pool at a younger age. ICC Chief Executive David confidence, and the ability to don’t look at the In my experience diet and Richardson recently said, “sport cope with pressure, are the statistics, over the nutrition is the prime factor must now work collectively to prominent traits observed in making these big changes. maintain interest and continue in any successful athletes. past few years, Some of the current prominent to drive growth.” One of the Traditionally, cricket has it has become names who travelled for the administrative strategies to always been dependent on Women’s Big Bash League achieve betterment in women’s innate skills or talent over evident that there in Australia made significant cricket would be promoting fitness and athleticism. A is a striking changes to their diet and mixed gender U14 - U16 cricket successful cricketer is normally within a year or two noticed at school and state level. Mithali one who exhibits technique, increase in the an improvement in their Raj, Harmanpreet Kaur and talent, patience, timing & number of viewers fitness and subsequently many others started their placement rather than sheer in their performances. cricketing journeys playing force. Hence the duty of a of T20 cricket Monitoring hormonal among boys which not only sports medicine personnel as compared to activities and related issues improved their cricketing sense has always been to develop such as iron deficiency, B12 but cricket specific fitness as cricket specific fitness. men’s Test and deficiency and associated the game is traditionally much Let’s look at some ODIs. One of the megaloblastic anaemia, etc. is faster and more competitive. physiological facts: also very important. Relative Lean Body Mass (LBM) main reasons is energy deficiency in sports Anuja Dalvi is a post-graduate changes after puberty and the athleticism (RED-S) syndrome, is an entity from University of South is one of the most important formerly known as female Australia in Musculoskeletal factors in deciding athleticism portrayed athlete triad, is very common and Sports Physiotherapy. in a male or female athlete. on field in the and needs early diagnosis She has been involved with Genetic factors governing and intervention. It demands women’s cricket since 2009. She these changes are currently shortest format— managing perceptional was previously associated with beyond our control, but athleticism issues and psychological NCA - BCCI and Bangladesh what one can do is to utilise needs is in these girls. Cricket. She is co-founder of the various strategies from sports is directly Considering few of the LiveActive Physiotherapy and medicine to induce better proportional to inevitable physical differences, Sports Injury clinic in fitness standards in a given anterior cruciate ligament Mumbai and PhysioConcepts pool of players who can be viewership. (ACL) traumas in women’s Education LLP.

THE NEED FOR SYSTEMATIC AND CONSISTENT • ANAND DATE TRAINING FROM A DEVELOPMENTAL AGE

he second consecutive women’s cricket with the men’s that there is a gulf in viewership edition of Women’s game, so instead, let’s compare between male and female IPL is really good news women’s cricket with other sports. In fact, only few sports, for women’s cricket as women’s sports. such as tennis, experience Tit will foster the overall growth Last year’s Wimbledon similar viewership in the men’s of the game, but how many will women’s finals saw a and women’s game. In this be watching these matches? viewership of 4.6 million curious observation lies one The number will definitely according to The Times; and of the important ingredients be more than it was last year, this, incidentally surpassed in raising the viewership of but, probably still some way the viewership of the men’s women’s cricket. short of men’s tournament. final. However, this is just an The sports that are watched Yes, it is unfair to compare exception that defies the norm in seemingly equal proportions

www.womenscriczone.com 51 BEYOND THE BOUNDARY

in men and women versions to cricket, these differences training age means athletes their male counterparts. With all exhibit one common trait. mean that women need can be exposed to higher, and a more organised ecosystem The gap in physicality is less specific work in improving consistent workload both in (availability of S&C Coaches in the men’s and women’s their landing mechanics, skills and training over-time in and physiotherapists at the versions of these sports, and acceleration-deceleration order to improve their physical local level), upcoming women there lies the key element abilities and throwing power capacity. cricketers at the domestic and that is required for Indian as all these actions require high In Indian women’s local levels can make use of women’s cricket – a need to degrees of strength, power and cricket, the training age this longer off-season period improve fitness standards movement control. of players is generally less to work on their fitness. and general athleticism. Improvements in before they reach the top Overall, it is evident that Much work has been specific aspects such as level and gain access to S&C young female cricketers in done in this regard over the these require systematic and coaches and physiotherapists. India need systematic strength last few years, and the Indian consistent training from the Subsequently, their exposure & conditioning work and women are now well aware developmental age. This to higher and more consistent exposure to progressively of the importance of fitness, means that specific to women workloads is limited before increasing workloads from and about different standards cricketers, improvements they hit the international their U14 days, in order to of fitness expected even in a in strength and endurance scene. However, there also build foundations that can help so-called ‘’skill-based’’ game of from a young age is lies a window of opportunity them become stronger, faster, cricket. absolutely essential to foster for women cricketers as they and more agile athletes on a Traditionally, cricket future developments in all enjoy a slightly longer off- cricket ground, something that requires combination of other athletic elements. season window as compared to people would love to watch. strength, explosive power, In a Strength & acceleration-deceleration Conditioning context, phase Anand Date is a Strength & abilities, agility and anaerobic of the season (off-season / Conditioning Coach with the as well as aerobic endurance. in-season), and training age National Cricket Academy of Women are anthropometrically (number of years the player BCCI for last 7 years and has and physiologically different has been training) are two worked with numerous women than men in that they have vital factors among others that Bottom: cricket players during camps as As Harmanpreet Kaur wider pelvis, and shorter limbs. determine the type of training well as during rehabilitation. He has often showcased, They also exhibit different the athlete will perform. athleticism is one of the has a graduate degree in Sports hormonal profiles and different Off-season is typically a time main reasons for the Science and is accredited S&C mineral uptakes, especially at where improvement based popularity of T20 cricket. Coach through NSCA (USA) and the later stages of life. Specific training takes place and greater (PC: ICC) ASCA (Australia).

“In Indian women’s cricket, the training age of players is generally less before they reach the top level and gain access to Strength & Conditioning coaches and physiotherapists. Subsequently, their exposure to higher and more consistent workloads is limited before they hit the international scene.”

52 www.womenscriczone.com

IN THE FRAME

54 www.womenscriczone.com Big: Australia overcame the disappointment of their last two World Cup campaigns and crushed their opponents on the way to an unprecedented fourth T20 World Cup title. (PC: ICC)

Small: Ellyse Perry finished WBBL 04 with an astonishing tally of 777 runs including two centuries, after which she notched up her maiden ODI century against New Zealand in Adelaide. (PC: ICC)

www.womenscriczone.com 55 IN THE FRAME

Big: West Indies travelled to Pakistan for a three-match T20I series between Jan 31 and Feb 3 this year after a gap of 15 years. (PC: PCB) Claire Shillington, Small: , and announced their retirement from international cricket after the 2018 T20 World Cup. The quartet had 461 international appearances between them. (PC: ICC)

56 www.womenscriczone.com www.womenscriczone.com 57 IN THE FRAME

58 www.womenscriczone.com Big: 2018 was Bangladesh’s best year on the international circuit— they first beat India in the Asia Cup final in Kuala Lumpur, and then went on the defeat Ireland in the final of the T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Netherlands. (PC: ICC)

Small: Clark’s 21-yearAmelia old Kerr record broke to Belinda register the highest score in a women’s ODI with an unbeaten 232 against Ireland. She followed up that innings with figures of 5 for 17 to give New Zealand a 305-run win. (PC: )

www.womenscriczone.com 59 IN THE FRAME 1 2

3

60 www.womenscriczone.com 4

1: Harmanpreet Kaur struck India’s first ever T20I century in the opening match of the 2018 Women’s T20 World Cup against New Zealand in Guyana. The Indian captain hit seven fours and eight sixes in her 51-ball 103. (PC: ICC)

2: 2018 saw BCCI organise the first ever Women’s T20 Challenge match; an event that saw players from India line-up alongside internationals from Australia, England and New Zealand. Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana were at the helm of Supernovas and Trailblazers respectively. (PC: BCCI)

3: Smriti Mandhana, who plundered 1,892 runs across formats since the 2017 Women’s World Cup, won the medal for her dominant 5 performances in 2018. (PC: ICC)

4 & 5: Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami, the grand old women of Indian cricket, ticked off a couple more milestones in 2018-19. Raj became the first woman to play 200 ODIs when she took the field against New Zealand on 1 February 2019, while Goswami became the first to take 300 international wickets when she dismissed Nipuni Hansika of Sri Lanka on Septemeber 11, 2018. (Both PC: ICC)

www.womenscriczone.com 61 OPINION

INDIA IS READY FOR A WOMEN’S IPL

Strengthening grassroots programs will take a lot of time, but the WIPL could possibly work as a quick fix to help bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket.

• REEMA MALHOTRA STHALEKAR LISA LEATHER, JOHN PIC:

n 10 April 2005, the the first time the country had Indian women’s rallied around it’s women’s cricket team etched team; Indian cricket had finally their names in found it’s female superstars. Ohistory when they walked out Of course, the credit for to face Australia at Centurion in India’s rise does not rest solely their first ever World Cup final. in the hands of that squad of It was the start of a new era. 15. Every player who has ever On our journey home, I represented her country, and all remember how peaceful it the administrators who played was— no thaam jhaam in italics, a role in the growth of the game nothing. We attended a small are equally responsible. felicitation function before However, the past is gone, heading home, but it was and now there is new ground almost like we were returning to break— more matches, more from South Africa after a lucrative contracts, a stronger bilateral series; no one gave us a grassroots system, and possibly second look. a women’s IPL (WIPL). After India’s loss to England in the 2017 World Cup final at BRIDGING THE GAP Lord’s, however, things had In a career spanning over 15 completely changed. When years, I have seen a lot of players Mithali Raj’s team touched who were extremely talented down in Mumbai in the early fade away because they failed hours of the morning, they were to receive proper guidance. greeted by a sea of well-wishers. Most of those were players who, This was a turning point for if groomed well, could have women’s cricket in India— for potentially gone on to play for

62 www.womenscriczone.com “The domestic circuit is bursting with a great deal of talent, and all the girls need is proper guidance; maybe then India could become a real superpower in the women’s game as well.”

www.womenscriczone.com 63 OPINION

the country. is something that India also compared to the highest level. Finding, fine-tuning, and needs to inculcate if they are to They need to try and play a keeping talent in the system— consistently dominate on the more aggressive/ dominant that is something the WIPL world stage. brand of cricket at the domestic can help with. If young girls On that note, I believe a level if they want to prepare are given the opportunity and WIPL would be a stepping well for the big stage. exposure to play alongside stone to success for many It is clear that the quality international players and young Indian cricketers. It will of domestic cricket needs coaches, imagine how much not only provide them with an to improve if India want to they could learn! opportunity to rub shoulders produce players who can The inception of domestic with the best players in the transition relatively easily to T20 leagues like the Women’s world, but also prepare them the international stage, but Big Bash League in Australia to handle pressure situations that will not happen overnight. and Women’s Cricket Super at the international level. Strengthening grassroots League in England has seen “Once the young Imagine how much Jemimah programs will take a lot of the game grow tremendously. girls understand Rodrigues or Arundhati Reddy time, but the WIPL could Apart from giving some what is required will learn playing alongside possibly work as a quick fix to exceptional talents in world Meg Lanning and Katherine help bridge the gap between cricket a chance to hone to compete at Brunt. Untapped local talent domestic and international their craft alongside top the top level, it will also get a chance to cricket. Once the young girls international players, these showcase their ability at the top understand what is required tournaments have, in many will level, thereby strengthening to compete at the top level, it ways, helped somewhat bridge automatically the domestic system. will automatically lead to a the gap between domestic and If you look at the standard change in approach, and right international cricket. lead to a change at domestic cricket in India, the now, that is what is required. Australia and England in approach, and par score is somewhere around Also, interacting with quality have consistently reached right now, that is 105 to 120 in a T20 game— that international coaches and the knockout stages of major is nowhere near sufficient at the trainers will expose young ICC events due to a very solid what is international level. The batters players to new techniques and grassroots programs; the WCSL required.” in domestic cricket face very also give them an idea about and WBBL have only fast different bowling attacks and the fitness standards they need forwarded their progress. This much weaker fielding sides as to maintain. It is these small

Left: The first contingent of international stars to participate in the Women’s T20 Challenger exhibition match consisted of players from Australia, England and New Zealand. (PC: BCCI)

Opening Page: A WIPL will give young Indian players a chance to rub shoulders with top international players like and . (PC: BCCI)

64 www.womenscriczone.com Right: Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, who captained Supernovas and Trailblazers in 2018, have spoken extensively about the positive impact of foreign T20 leagues on their games. (PC: BCCI) things which will help domestic in the world. There is much and exchanging ideas about players take their game one to work with in India, but we the game has helped raise the notch higher— it will serve as need to provide the players standard of women’s cricket the difference between a score of with a proper pathway. across the board, and that is 120 and a score of 160. “ Among There is clear evidence why I think the WIPL can help the Indians, in the positive impact such India catch up with the rest. FAST-PACED GAME Harmanpreet, T20 leagues have on players. As a broadcaster, a lot of When I used to play for the Hayley Matthews has come people have asked me when country, the par score in an and Smriti leaps and bounds since her first the WIPL is likely to begin. ODI would be around 180- have grown in stint in the WBBL; Ashleigh That is an answer only the 200, but now over the years Gardner, BCCI can give. For now, they due to increased fitness levels, confidence and and have been making efforts to get better equipments, more match become more of Australia and Kirstie things into motion. The 2019 practice and power hitting, the Gordon and of WIPL exhibition matches are a pace of the game has drastically consistent after England, have made seamless glimpse into the possible future; increased. More teams are now their experiences transitions to international how far away, we will have to scoring a minimum of 250, in Australia and cricket as well. Among the wait and see. but even those totals are being Indians, Harmanpreet Kaur, I, for one, believe the chased down. England, while and Smriti Mandhana have country is ready for such a West Indies and Australia Veda has spoken grown in confidence and tournament. The domestic have shown that power hitting become more consistent after circuit is bursting with a great can take the game to a whole extensively their experiences in Australia deal of talent, and all the girls new level and this is what about how the and England, while Veda need is proper guidance to is currently lacking in the Krishnamurthy has spoken fine-tune their ability; maybe Indian batters. It is something WBBL helped extensively about how the then India could become a real that will certainly make their her mature as a WBBL helped her mature as a superpower in the women’s T20I team more competitive. player.” player. Their experiences and game as well. There are a handful of players exposure to such tournaments who can do this consistently, has seen their game improve Reema Malhotra is a former but we need to increase the drastically and enabled them to India allrounder, now turned number in order to attract play a fearless brand of cricket. broadcaster. She has played three bigger crowds as well as Interacting with new players, ODI and T20I World Cups each. compete with the best teams learning different cultures She tweets @ReemaMalhotra8.

www.womenscriczone.com 65 PERSPECTIVE

NOTHING BEATS LIVE TV COVERAGE

With so much going for women’s sport, and with the fans’ appetites whet, there is much pressure on the ICC’s member nations around the world to satisfy the growing requirements for the broadcast of women’s cricket at all levels. • KASS NAIDOO

he South African professional women’s outfit. team said, “Playing in front of women’s cricket team They had finally tasted what it a live TV audience was special Above: Live TV coverage played their maiden felt like to play on the big stage, for us... This is a huge step in has played a key role in televised game against and they liked it. the right direction for women’s getting strong global TEngland in the semi-finals of Even though some admitted cricket in South Africa.” support for the women’s the Women’s T20 World Cup to being overwhelmed by the A few months later, Cricket game. (PC: ICC) in Bangladesh in April 2014. constant camera attention, the South Africa (CSA) announced Despite the nine-wicket loss that players enjoyed their newfound a historic first for women’s saw them exit the tournament, global stardom. Speaking to the cricket in the country, with the it sparked a new era for South media after the match, Mignon broadcast of the three-match Africa’s first-ever contracted du Preez, then captain of the T20I series in England on

66 www.womenscriczone.com SuperSport. At the time, CSA hours in comparison to the last said in a statement: “We had edition in 2013.” to inform its global growth experienced the benefits of It’s true, nothing beats live strategy for cricket, found live coverage during the (2014) TV coverage. We have seen One will argue that “70% of fans want to see World T20, when our women how it has powered men’s that England, more live coverage of women’s cricketers were seen live in sport for years. cricket.” action for the first time and Australia and “There are opportunities the decision by SuperSport to BROADCAST AND NEW New Zealand are to grow in both our traditional continue this trend will certainly AUDIENCES KEY IN markets, where the focus will benefit the sport.” GROWTH more than holding be on attracting more women Aarti Dabas, the ICC Head their own in this and girls, children and families GROWTH OF THE of Media Rights, Broadcast growing broadcast to the game, as well as non- WOMEN’S GAME and Digital at the time, said, traditional cricket playing Fast forward to the 2017 “The broadcast and digital space, but the nations, where there is clearly Women’s Cricket World Cup numbers have far exceeded reality is that both interest and opportunity,” in England— which saw the our expectations and have Dabas stated. International Cricket Council justified our decision to back many countries (ICC) announce an eight-fold the women’s game. It all goes to are lagging THE CLEAN IMAGE OF increase in viewing hours in show that there are millions out WOMEN’S SPORT South Africa—where Dane van there who are willing to follow behind in terms A recent report published in Niekerk’s team reached the and watch an event like the ICC of infrastructure November 2018 by Nielsen semi-finals of the showpiece Women’s World Cup and the to support Sports indicates that “84% of event. This sparked a huge details of these numbers are a general sports fans— more than surge in support of women’s reflection of that.” the growth of half of whom are men— are cricket in the country. The Dabas is passionate about women’s cricket. interested in women’s sport.” media couldn’t get enough women empowerment and In research conducted across of the team and covered is leading a strong charge the UK, USA, France, Germany, their every move for a few at cricket’s international Italy, Spain, Australia and New weeks after their return from headquarters to prioritise the Zealand, the study notes that England. There were television broadcast of women’s cricket. “Of the general population— adverts produced and flighted. So far, she has done a great both male and female— of the Sponsors were beaming. job with her team to ensure eight countries, 64% have an Below: The impact of female Now, imagine the scenes continued increased coverage interest in at least one women’s sporting icons and the deep back in England for the World of the women’s game. It comes connect that women’s teams sport,” and significantly that Cup winners and their fans. as no surprise that another ICC seem to share with their fans “women’s sport is seen as Bryan Henderson, Head of research project released in has led to a rise in popularity of more ‘inspiring’, ‘progressive’, Sky Sport, said he felt like June 2018 that was undertaken women’s cricket. (PC: ICC) ‘family-oriented’ and ‘clean’.” 2017 was a watershed moment for women’s sport, with his highlight being the moment England’s women clinched the World Cup at Lord’s. Henderson had every reason to feel proud as the Women’s Cricket World Cup final turned out to be Sky Sport’s most watched women’s sporting event in 2017, with more than 1.1 millions viewers at its peak. Overall, more than 180 million people around the world are estimated to have watched the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2017, which constituted an “almost 300% increase in viewing PERSPECTIVE

In April 2018, Cricket FANS OF WOMEN’S SPORT divide between men’s and MORE COMMITTED Above: After South Australia announced a women’s participation is that Africa reached the landmark partnership with The Guardian newspaper of compensation. This issue semi-final of the 2017 and Seven West reported on a study by True was recently highlighted in the Women’s World Cup, Media where women’s cricket North Research, focusing on launch issue of The Telegraph’s the media couldn’t was placed at the forefront of trends in Australia, which Women’s Sport publication, get enough of them, the partnership with every revealed that women’s which unsurprisingly found covering their every international match and over sporting teams create stronger that “more than half of elite move for a few weeks 20 Women’s Big Bash League connections with their fans. sportswomen thought that after the team’s return (WBBL) matches each season The study found that fans sponsorship was poor”. from England. (PC: ICC) to be broadcast on Seven and of the nation’s women’s rugby Launched “… with an FOX Sports. CA also announced sevens team, and the Matildas— unprecedented publishing that it would live-stream the their football team— “rank commitment to transform remaining WBBL matches on its highest with the public for the profile and visibility website and its Live App. emotional connection and trust,” of women’s sport through Later that year, true to its and “… while high-profile enhanced coverage across print commitment to accelerating the men’s sports teams may have and digital platforms,” the growth of the women’s game, more fans overall, women’s Telegraph’s new publication the ICC responded by taking teams actually rate much better found that one in seven of the 20 broadcast coverage to a new in terms of respect, enjoyment, athletes who responded to their level at the first ever stand-alone trust, pride and bond among survey confirmed that they had Women’s T20 World Cup in those familiar with them.” “considered ending their career November 2018. All matches While the fans may have due to financial worries,” and were broadcast live for the first begun warming up to women’s further that 40 per cent often time, reaching out to both new sport and following it as keenly worried about money. and old audiences in more than as they do the men, the biggest That this is the fate of elite 200 countries around the world. issue exacerbating the historical athletes will come as no surprise

68 www.womenscriczone.com sponsorship requires wide of that and we will continue 2019 were broadcast, providing coverage. Fortunately, as bringing the women’s game to much needed visibility to a Australia’s ‘the women’s game’ many South Africans.” wider range of players. The reality would have it, there is good Even earlier, in 2014, Star is that social news on the horizon, with an LIVE STREAMING POWERS India and Star Middle East media has impressive rise in popularity of WOMEN’S CRICKET struck an eight-year deal with women’s cricket being driven Live streaming is becoming a the ICC for the period between put immense by three key factors - television popular option, and Gaofetoge 2015 and 2023 which covered pressure broadcasting, positive media says it could be the way five women’s tournaments. coverage and the rising impact of forward. “Definitely. This is a The success of both the 2017 on sports women’s sports icons. Another perfect way for us to showcase Women’s World Cup and 2018 organisations encouraging piece at sports. the talent that is out there and T20 World Cup are evidence legal comes to the conclusion— also keep track of the Proteas enough of the fine work to take with reference to a wide range players that have represented at broadcasters are doing. charge of of modern evidence— that the the highest level.” messaging time is now for sponsorship of Has this opened up the THERE’S NO GOING women’s sport. opportunity for new players to BACK NOW in ways that come into the market? The reality is that social media are more HOPE ON THE HORIZON “Very much so,” he says. “We has put immense pressure With so much going for at CSA have taken the initiative on sports organisations to appealing, women’s sport, and with the to partner with the likes of Pitch take charge of messaging in entertaining appetite whet, is it any surprise Vision, who have contributed ways that are more appealing, that now, in 2019, the hunger positively in assisting us with entertaining and innovative. and for women’s cricket broadcasts the broadcasting of live cricket There are many entertainment innovative. is greater than it’s ever been? matches, for both men and options for fans so more While it is expected that the women.” needs to be done to keep their ICC will keep delivering at its Cricket technology attention for longer.There usual high standard, its member company, PitchVision, broke was a stage when live scoring nations around the world are into the broadcasting arena of a women’s game was the under pressure to satisfy the when big institutions like CSA accepted way of informing fans growing requirements for the started using their system to of the progress of matches, but to the ranks of women athletes broadcast of women’s cricket at live stream provincial matches. with the advance of technology around the world who hold zero all levels. The system is designed for which has made “going live” hope of securing independent Yes, one will argue that live streaming and ball by ball easier, fans want more. They third party funding to facilitate England, Australia and New capturing of cricket matches, want to see it live as it happens. their participation, and who Zealand are more than holding allowing viewers to join the Social media is a powerful must take leave from jobs and their own in this growing action. After impressive work in tool to broadcast the women’s pay their own way in hopes of broadcast space, but the reality men’s cricket, PitchVision were game. From live on Twitter, reaching their athletic goals. is that many countries are invited to cover the National to live on Facebook, to live In 2017, Forbes listed lagging behind in terms of Women’s Cricket Week in April on Instagram—the cricket American tennis icon Serena infrastructure to support the 2018, and the feedback was broadcasting industry is Williams as the sole woman in growth of women’s cricket. positive as the company plans certainly in a disruptive space the world’s 100 highest-paid Five years after the to grow its coverage. and those who are smart athletes, equal with baseball’s Proteas women’s first ever Over in India, Star India’s enough are jumping on and Ryan Howard tied at number live cricket game, Cricket record deal of Rs 6,138 crore making the most of these 51, with 27million USD in South Africa Head of with BCCI for five years, while opportunities to broadcast income. In 2018, Forbes reports Communications, Koketso primarily focusing on the men’s women’s cricket. no woman in the top 100. Gaofetoge, says the growth game, has made room to telecast There is no turning back. Is this the end game? If of women’s cricket continues the women’s matches as well. Women’s cricket is on the fast so many studies accurately to remain a big priority for Most recently, they covered track to the top, and broadcast forecast the imminent explosion his Federation.“This is a huge the series between India and has played a key role in getting of women’s sport, how will it all priority for us as Cricket England which included three strong global support for the be paid for? South Africa and something ODIs in Mumbai and three women’s game. Well, the traditional answer we continue to endeavour T20Is in Guwahati. to that question in the men’s to provide for our female In fact, Star’s deal extends to Kass Naidoo is South Africa’s first game is through sponsorship cricketers. Their recently the coverage of domestic cricket. female cricket commentator, and and broadcast rights, and concluded Sri Lanka series The Women’s Senior One-Day founder of the gsport Trust.She wins was a great example Challenger Trophy in 2018 and tweets @KassNaidoo.

www.womenscriczone.com 69 ROUND-UP

THE WOMEN TO WATCH From to : a look at the five most exciting and successful young players over the last year.

• SHWETA HARANHALLI

he success of the ICC Women’s CricZone looks The story of Jemimah win. Since then, the teenager Women’s World Cup back at the the best young Rodrigues, the 18-year-old hasn’t looked back— making in 2017 saw women’s talent of 2018 who took batter from India, has been told an impact almost every time cricket gain a great the cricket world by storm and retold several times over the she has taken the field. Tfollowing. Fans around the with their scintillating last 15 months. Her tremendous A little over a year since world were glued to the game, performances. run in Under-19 cricket during her debut, Rodrigues has keenly following their favourite Note: The stats below are the 2017-18 domestic season that become an integral part of player’s every move. combined ODI and T20I records saw her break into the national the Indian line-up. She even The following year, 2018, between the period of 1 Jan 2018 to team last January, has been played a pivotal role in their touted to be a breakthrough 31 March 2019. often discussed. run to the semi-finals of the season, was nothing short of Rodrigues made her first 2018 Women’s T20 World a revelation as young talents JEMIMAH RODRIGUES international appearance Cup in the Caribbean. In across the globe burst on to the (INDIA) against South Africa in a T20I ODIs, she has formed a solid arena and created a space for M: 35, I: 31, NO: 2, R: 794, HS: 81*, last February, where she scored partnership at the top of the themselves on the international Avg: 25.61, SR: 107.59, 50s: 6 a quick-fire 37 that helped order with Smriti Mandhana. circuit. guide India to a seven wicket The youngster grabbed the headlines in January 2019 with her unbeaten half-century against New Zealand, and a PC: ICC record 190-run opening stand that steered India to a famous win in Napier. Since her debut, the 18-year- old has scored 186 runs in 10 ODIs, including a highest of 81 not out against New Zealand. T20Is have been her stronger suit— she has accumulated 608 runs in 25 innings at an average of 30.40 and impressive strike rate of 123.57. Her 72 against New Zealand in the second T20I at Hamilton was particularly impressive for the way she held the innings together and accelerated at the back end. Rodrigues has shown maturity beyond her years— her game awareness, technical efficiency and tactical nous means she stands out from the rest of the group and is well on her way to becoming a definite world beater.

70 www.womenscriczone.com PC: ICC

AMELIA KERR (NEW ZEALAND) Harmanpreet Kaur, arguably the M: 32, R: 445, HS: 232*, Bat Avg: 22.25, Bat SR: 110.97; biggest hitter on the women’s W: 37, Best: 5-17, Bowl Avg: 25.11, Bowl SR: 28.2 circuit. She dismissed her twice in three games, refusing to give Just days after her 16th an unbeaten 232— the highest the Indian T20I captain anything birthday, was individual score in women’s in her arc to swing at. It was a named in the New Zealand ODIs—and backed it up with series in which Kerr showed squad for the home series figures of 5 for 17 to give New immense skill after poor outings against Pakistan in 2016. Zealand a 305-run win. She thus in the T20 World Cup. Almost right away, the leg became the youngest double Her stand out performances spinner displayed her ability to centurion in any format, male resulted in Kerr being awarded be a genuine wicket taker— she or female. the ANZ International Women’s gave the ball a real rip and had While Kerr admittedly ODI Player of the Year at the a deadly googly. Initially, it was failed to back up those annual her bowling that won much tremendous performances in awards. In 13 ODIs she scored praise, but in 2018, all that the tournaments that followed, 422 runs at an average of 52.75, changed when Kerr showcased she did show great character also taking 21 wickets. Her her might with the bat during when New Zealand took on cricketing feats have won her a an ODI series against Ireland. India at home. In the T20I lot of praise, and she is certainly Still only 18, Kerr smashed series, she managed to tie down one to watch for the future.

www.womenscriczone.com 71 ROUND-UP

PC: ICC

ASHLEIGH GARDNER (AUSTRALIA) while in T20Is, Australia use her M: 26, R: 426, HS: 63*, Bat Avg.: 19.36, Bat SR: 133.96; W: 34, as a top order basher. In 2018, she Best: 3-22, Bowl Avg: 17.41, Bowl SR: 20.68 scored her maiden half-centuries in both formats— asserting her is well known half-century in one of the games. position as one of the fiercest on the international circuit for her It was one of the most brutal strikers of the cricket ball. ability to hit the ball a long way. displays of power I had seen and To cap off a wonderful year, Well before the world and made everyone sit up and take Gardner was adjudged as the witnessed her skills, I had the notice. player of the match in the finals chance to watch Gardner first hand A few months later, Gardner of the 2018 ICC Women’s World when she toured India as part made her international debut early Twenty20 against arch rivals, of a Australia’s first indigenous in 2017 and has since become an England, after she wrecked the women’s team in 2016. integral part of the Australian opposition with three wickets As a member of the Mumbai team. She is a genuine allrounder and returned with the bat to team that faced off against them, who bowls handy off-spin and can score an unbeaten 33 to give I watched as she smashed the ball give the ball a real whack. In ODIs, Australia their fourth world all around the park en route to a she plays the role of a finisher, title in the shortest format.

72 www.womenscriczone.com PC: ICC

SOPHIE ECCLESTONE (ENGLAND) M: 25, Overs: 117.1, W: 37, Best: 4-14, Avg: 18.62, SR: 25.1, Eco.R: 4.46

In recent times, Sophie turn and extra bounce in Ecclestone has become one spin-friendly conditions. of the most feared bowlers 2018 was Ecclestone’s on the circuit. Despite only breakthrough year, as the being 20-years-old, Ecclestone left-armer was named the ICC is already the leader of Emerging Player of the year. She England’s spin bowling attack picked up 18 wickets in nine and played a pivotal role ODIs and 17 wickets in 14 T20Is. in their road to the finals of After bowling splendidly the 2018 T20 World Cup. in the series against India in Renowned for her accuracy, 2019, the left-arm spinner Ecclestone is a potent weapon suffered a freak shoulder with the new ball. With a injury that meant she missed smooth action, high arm England’s subsequent tour to release and a deadly arm ball Sri Lanka. she is a handful to face for any batter. She was one of the Shweta Haranhalli is a cricket premier spin bowling options enthusiast who both plays and for England when they toured writes about the sport. She is a India in April 2018. Combining former Mumbai Under-19 national with , the duo championship winning captain made batting very difficult for and is currently at the helm of the the home team, generating Mumbai senior women’s team.

PC: ICC

SOPHIE MOLINEUX (AUSTRALIA) M: 18, O: 77.3, W: 21, Best: 4-14, Avg: 16.19, SR: 22.1, Eco.R: 4.40

That Sophie Molineux kept batters any width to work with , one of Australia’s and picked up regular wickets. premier spinners, out of the In 15 T20Is so far, the line-up during the 2018 T20 21-year-old has taken 15 World Cup is testament to the wickets, including a best of 21-year-old’s allround ability. 4-16. While she may not have A left-arm spinner and left- ripped through batting line-ups handed batter, Molineux made during this period, what stands her T20I debut against India in out is her ability to keep the May last year. scoring rate in check despite With Jonassen missing mostly bowling in the Power much of the season due to Play— her economy rate of 5.84 injury, Molineux took the tells a story of its own. opportunity to cement her Later in the year, she place in the side with both played a crucial role in helping hands. She took the new ball Australia claim their fourth in both the ODI and T20I series T20 World Cup title in the against Pakistan in Malaysia Caribbean in November and delivered excellent and then went on to help performances. She was deadly Renegades reach accurate, constantly attacked the WBBL semi-finals. the stumps, refused to give the

www.womenscriczone.com 73 ROUND-UP

THE YEAR AT A GLANCE SERIES SUMMARIES (Records between the dates of 1 Jan 2018 to 31 Mar 2019

AUSTRALIA INDIA • Beat India 3-0 in the ODI series in India. • Beat South Africa 2-1 in the ODI series and 3-1 in the T20I series in South Africa. • Beat England in the final of the T20I tri-series also involving India in India. • Lost to Australia 3-0 in the ODI series at home. • Beat New Zealand 3-0 in the T20I series at home. • Lost in the league stage of the T20 tri-series involving AUS & ENG at home. • Beat Pakistan 3-0 in the ODI and 3-0 in the T20I series in Malaysia. • Beat England 2-1 in the ODI series at home. • Won the 2018 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. • Lost to Bangladesh in the final of the Asia Cup in Malaysia. • Beat England in the final. • Beat Sri Lanka 2-1 in the ODI series and 4-0 in the T20I series in Sri Lanka. • Beat New Zealand 3-0 in the ODI series at home. • Lost to England in the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s OVERALL RECORD T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. • Beat New Zealand 2-1 in the ODI series and lost 3-0 in the T20I series in NZ FORMAT M W L T N/R WIN % • Beat England 2-1 in the ODI series and lost 3-0 in the T20I series at home. ODI 9 9 0 0 0 100 OVERALL RECORD T20I 17 15 2 0 0 88.24 FORMAT M W L T N/R WIN %

ODI 18 10 8 0 0 55.55 BANGLADESH T20I 31 16 13 0 2 51.61 • Lost to South Africa by 5-0 in the ODI and 3-0 in T20I series in South Africa. • Beat India in the final of the Asia Cup in Malaysia. • Beat Ireland 2-1 in the T20I series in Ireland. IRELAND • Beat Ireland in the final of the 2018 ICC Women’s T20 • Lost to New Zealand 3-0 in the ODI series and also World Cup Qualifier in Netherlands. in the one-off T20I match at home. • Lost to Pakistan 3-0 in the T20I series and won • Lost to Bangladesh 2-1 in the T20I series at home. the one-off ODI in Bangladesh. • Lost to Bangladesh in the final of the 2018 ICC • Knocked out in the league stage of the ICC World Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in Netherlands. T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. • Knocked out in the league stage of the 2018 ICC Women’s OVERALL RECORD T20 World Cup in the Caribbean.

FORMAT M W L T N/R WIN % OVERALL RECORD

ODI 6 1 5 0 0 20 FORMAT M W L T N/R WIN %

T20I 24 12 12 0 0 50 ODI 3 0 3 0 0 0 T20I 13 5 8 0 0 38.56

ENGLAND • Lost to Australia in the final of the T20I tri-series also NEW ZEALAND involving India in India. • Beat West Indies 3-0 in the ODI series and 4-0 in the T20I series at home. • Lost to India 2-1 in the ODI series in India. • Beat Ireland 3-0 in the ODI series and also in the one-off T20I in Ireland. • Beat South Africa 2-1 in the ODI series at home. • Lost to England in the final of the T20I tri-series, • Beat New Zealand in the final of the T20I also involving South Africa, in England. tri-series also involving South Africa at home. • Lost to England 2-1 in the ODI series in England. • Beat New Zealand 2-1 in the ODI series at home. • Lost to Australia 3-0 in the T20I series in Australia. • Lost to Australia in the final of the • Knocked out in the group stage of the 2018 ICC Women’s 2018 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. • Lost to India 2-1 in the ODI series and won 3-0 in the T20I series in India. • Lost to India 2-1 in the ODI and beat them 3-0 in the T20I series at home. • Beat Sri Lanka 3-0 in the ODI series and 3-0 in the T20I series in Sri Lanka. • Lost to Australia 3-0 in the ODI series in Australia. OVERALL RECORD OVERALL RECORD

FORMAT M W L T N/R WIN % FORMAT M W L T N/R WIN %

ODI 15 9 6 0 0 60 ODI 15 8 7 0 0 53.33

T20I 21 15 6 0 0 71.43 T20I 20 12 8 0 0 60

74 www.womenscriczone.com PAKISTAN WEST INDIES • Beat Sri Lanka 3-0 in the ODI series and 2-1 in the T20I series in Sri Lanka. • Lost to New Zealand 3-0 in the ODI series and 4-0 in • Knocked out in the league stage of the Asia Cup in Malaysia. the T20I series in New Zealand. • Beat Bangladesh 3-0 in the T20I series and • Drew with South Africa 1-1 in the ODI series and 2-2 in the T20I series at home. lost the one-off ODI in Bangladesh. • Lost to Australia in the semi-final of the 2018 ICC • Lost to Australia 3-0 in the ODI series and Women’s T20 World Cup at home. 3-0 in the T20I series in Malaysia. • Beat Pakistan 2-1 in the T20I series in Pakistan and • Knocked out in the group stage of the 2018 ICC lost 2-1 in the ODI series in the UAE. Women’s T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. OVERALL RECORD • Lost to West Indies 2-1 in the T20I series in Pakistan and FORMAT M W L T N/R WIN % won the ODI series 2-1 in UAE. ODI 9 2 6 0 1 22.22 OVERALL RECORD T20I 16 8 8 0 0 50 FORMAT M W L T N/R WIN %

ODI 10 5 5 0 0 50 T20I 21 10 11 0 0 47.62 OTHER T20I SERIES: • Malaysia beat Singapore 4-2 in the Saudari Cup in Malaysia. • Namibia beat Sierra Leone in the final of the Botswana SOUTH AFRICA Cricket Association Women’s Championship in Botswana. • Lost to India 2-1 in the ODI series and 3-1 in the T20I series at home. • Brazil beat Chile in the final of the 2018 • Beat Bangladesh 5-0 in the ODI series and 3-0 in the T20I series at home. South American Women’s Championship in Colombia. • Lost to England 2-1 in the ODI series in England. • China beat 2-1 in South Korea. • Knocked out in the league stage of the T20I tri-series involving • Zimbabwe beat Namibia 5-0 in Namibia. England and New Zealand in England. • Thailand beat Nepal in the final of the Thailand Women’s T20 smash at home. • Drew with West Indies 1-1 in the ODI series and 2-2 in the • Nigeria beat Rwanda 3-2 at home. T20I series in the Caribbean. • Thailand topped the table in the 2018 • Knocked out in the league stage of the 2018 ICC Women’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Region Qualifier at home. T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. • Beat Sri Lanka 3-0 in the ODI series and 3-0 in the T20I series at home. OVERALL RECORD

FORMAT M W L T N/R WIN %

ODI 17 11 5 0 1 64.7

T20I 23 12 10 0 1 52.17

SRI LANKA • Lost to Pakistan 3-0 in the ODI series and 2-1 in the T20I series at home. • Knocked out in the league stage of the Asia Cup in Malaysia. • Lost to India 2-1 in the ODI series and 4-0 in the T20I series at home. • Knocked out in group stage of the 2018 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. • Lost to South Africa 3-0 in the ODI series and 3-0 in the T20I series in South Africa. • Lost to England 3-0 in the ODI series ad 3-0 in the T20I series at home. OVERALL RECORD

FORMAT M W L T N/R WIN %

ODI 12 1 11 0 0 8.33

T20I 22 4 17 0 1 18.18

www.womenscriczone.com 75 LOOKING AHEAD

2020 T20 WORLD CUP: AUSTRALIA READIES ITSELF

The event in the West Indies may have been a huge success, but with a rapidly growing fan base for women’s sport in Australia, the 2020 T20 World Cup looks set to be bigger and better— probably the most open competition yet.

• LISA STHALEKAR orld Cups are (ICC) Women’s Twenty20 and certainly not sharing the the pinnacle in World Cups, is that you never pitch by playing before the the landscape of have to wait too long for one to men’s matches, it was the cricket. All your come around as they are played women’s chance to shine on Whard work and preparation is every two years. the world stage, to play at measured against the best in the During the previous prime-time slots and see if fans world in the same conditions. edition, which took place wanted to watch them— not No excuses can be thrown in the Caribbean in 2018, the men after, but them. around; there is nowhere to Australia were victors for an The tournament was a hide. This is where the talented unprecedented fourth time. It huge success, the atmosphere and gutsy players stand up to be was a significant tournament in the West Indies was electric. counted— searching for glory, in many ways, a standalone With the final being played in searching for the moment to Women’s T20 World Cup, the Antigua, 10% of the island’s prove they are the best. first of its kind. Not sharing population, which equated to The great thing about the the limelight, or the nets, the 9000 people, packed into the International Cricket Council hotel or the pool for recovery, Sir Vivian Richards stadium to

76 www.womenscriczone.com see the old foes, England and event. CA and the ICC have Australia, face off. even gone as far as to state that After the success of that they would like to break the With the majority event and the 2017 Women’s world record for the biggest World Cup before it, what can attendance of a women’s of the domestic we expect in 2020 in Australia? sporting event, with grand sporting For starters, it will certainly be plans for 90,000 spectators a bigger tournament on a much to flock in for the final at the competitions grander scale. on being broadcast, The 2020 T20 World Cup International Women’s Day, the increase of was supposed to see the men March 8. and women play alongside each In Australia, there is a professionalism, other once again. However, renaissance in regards to athleticism, and Cricket Australia (CA) along women’s sport. With the with the Local Organising majority of the domestic sporting level of skills Committee requested the ICC competitions being broadcast, the women are to split the events— enabling the increase of professionalism Left: Defending the women to have their own (meaning, the athletes are finally displaying, one champions Australia will spotlight and build on the getting paid for their work), would be mad to be aiming for their fifth success of 2018. athleticism and level of skills WT20 title. (PC: ICC) not be supporting Given the growth of the the women are displaying, game since the 2017 World Cup one would be mad to not be or attending Bottom: The success and the fact that in Australia supporting or attending women’s women’s sporting of players like Georgia the Women’s Big Bash League sporting events. Wareham and Sophie (WBBL) is gaining popularity, Recently the Australian events. Molineux (not in a separate event makes perfect Football League (AFL) launched picture) show the sense. After all the increased their own women’s league depth in Australian broadcast coverage, media and in the third edition of the cricket — coming into attention and involvement tournament, where the final was a big tournament with minimal experience and of fans, in addition to the played at the , making an immediate explosion of all women’s sport over 53,000 spectators came in A FIRST FOR AUSTRALIA impact. (PC: ICC) in Australia, means the country to see the Adelaide Crows win Australia will host the T20 is ready to embrace such an their second title. World Cup for the first time. The women’s matches are set to take place in (Spotless Stadium and ), Western Australia (WACA), Australian Capital Territory () and Victoria ( and MCG). Australian cricket pitches generally provide a lot more pace and bounce for bowlers, which allows free flowing cricket, with batters being able to easily hit through the line of the ball— this should mean some entertaining cricket for the fans and frustration for the bowlers. The batters though, will most likely heave a huge sigh of relief since, apart from the inaugural event in England, the rest of the T20 World Cups have been played on slow, low pitches. The 2020 T20 World Cup

www.womenscriczone.com 77 LOOKING AHEAD

will be the seventh edition of India, West Indies, South Africa, will be able to replicate her form Above: The crowds the tournament, with a number New Zealand, Pakistan, and over the will be able to replicate for the 2018 Women’s of players set to appear in their Sri Lanka with two qualifiers to her form over the last 18 months T20 World Cup in fifth or sixth tournament. make their way through to the in another major tournament. the West Indies were With the advent of the competition. Ashleigh Gardner, the loud and enthusiastic, WBBL, Women’s Cricket Super You can’t look too far past Player of the Final, who bowls creating an electric League (England domestic the Australian team, who handy off-spin and is one of the atmosphere at every T20 competition) and the IPL have lifted the trophy on cleanest strikers of the ball will game. (PC: ICC) Women’s exhibition matches, four occasions. Out of all the enjoy the pacy conditions in all the top players now have the participating countries, they Australia. Still relatively young Right: Although they have some of opportunity to play more and obviously know the conditions at only 22 years of age, another the best players in the more T20 cricket. Add to this best and will have roughly the 12 months at the international world, New Zealand the fact that a majority of the same squad that played in the level will see a more mature have often struggled main cricketing bodies are now West Indies last time. cricketer front up in 2020. to pull out their best contracting their top players There will be a lot of focus The great thing about this performances in ICC yearly, allows for a full calendar on their captain Meg Lanning, Australian side and their set tournaments. (PC: ICC) of matches, camps and tours. who still hasn’t quite dominated up is that there may be a few All this equates to better, more an ICC event, but you get a players that we haven’t seen confident cricketers who know sense that in front of her family before who pop up and make a how to play an attractive brand and friends she might put huge impact in this tournament. of cricket. up her best performance yet. Take for instance Georgia Alyssa Healy, the Player of the Wareham, the leg-spinner, who THE CONTENDERS Tournament in 2018, will be travelled to the West Indies with Eight countries have already expected to shine again both at only a handful of games under qualified for the tournament the top of the order and behind her belt. In her very first ICC based on rankings from the the stumps. Unstoppable at the event, the 19-year-old turned last event. Australia, England, moment, fans will hope that she the final Australia’s way when

78 www.womenscriczone.com she was able to affect a run out with both bat and ball, though You can expect India’s and then pick up two wickets in her real asset is the ability spinners, , Anuja one over. to stay calm under pressure Patil and the others to play a As for England, they have and bring out the best in her role on Australian surfaces even stars in the game who have teammates— exactly what you The 2020 T20 though they may not find as travelled around the world to want in a leader. World Cup much turn as they are used to. ply their trade. The big question India has been a side that I expect that some young gun everyone will be asking is threatened in the last edition will likely be is waiting in the wings to burst whether Katherine Brunt and by beating Australia in the the most open onto the scene and steal the be available for league stage. However, they show on the world stage— such the tournament. Brunt has been weren’t able to muster the competition is the talent that sits in India. struck down again with back same performance against that has ever However all eyes will be issues, whilst Taylor manages England in the semi final. Their glued to the squad when it her anxiety. If both are available strength revolves around their taken place. is announced to see if Indian and in form, England will be batting— Harmanpreet Kaur, No longer is it stalwart, Mithali Raj is within the most feared side in the Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah about three top the ranks, given the issues that competition. Rodrigues, will all need to take faced team management when Add to the mix the likes calculated risks for their team’s teams fighting she wasn’t selected in the semi of , England’s benefit and allow the rest to bat to make the final. allrounder who has been around them. T20 cricket is a format that flourishing over the last 12 When India last toured final. Now, up to is best suited to the West Indies months, and Australia in early 2016 they were six teams have side, and that is why they are Danielle Wyatt, their dynamic able to win their first T20 series the only nation apart from openers who have played in the against Lanning’s side. This a great chance England and Australia to have WBBL, and Sophie Ecclestone, bit of history should give them to make it to won the trophy in 2016. Their the left-arm spin sensation, they plenty of confidence— after all, that special day extra power in terms of batting are certainly a dangerous side. they have tasted success against and their pace bowlers, at times, Heather Knight, their one of the strongest teams in still surprises the opposition. captain, is also extremely handy their own conditions. Although their three stars,

www.womenscriczone.com 79 LOOKING AHEAD

Stafanie Taylor, ICC events has been South to two of the most skilled fast and Hayley Matthews have all Africa. With the emergence bowlers on the women’s circuit. Above: West Indies played in the WBBL and will of quality players who have , one of the are most suited to the be comfortable in Australian had the chance to play around most economical bowlers in the shortest format, and conditions, their success will be the world in the T20 domestic world, and , the that’s why they are measured on how quickly the leagues they have grown quickest bowler clocked on the the only team other rest of the squad can adapt and tremendously as a team. The world stage, form a threatening than England and make an impact. experienced heads have passed new ball pair. If that weren’t Australia to have won The experienced pacer on their knowledge to the rest of enough, opposition also have to a T20 World Cup. (PC: ICC) , and the guile the squad, and they are slowly deal with the power of Lizelle of Anisa Mohammad will add beginning to show their true Lee at the top of South Africa’s to their star power, but it is potential with more consistent batting order. consistency that has troubled results of late. The final heavyweight of the this exciting team. Can they turn , the women’s game, New Zealand, it around in a short amount of leg spinning all rounder, has is a side that has been unable time? Regardless of form going proved to be a wonderful leader to convert their performances into the tournament, all teams for South Africa. She is a fiery in bilateral series into an ICC will be very wary of the West character who plays with her event. There have been times in Indies when they come against heart on her sleeve and has both the T20 and 50-over World them. the ability to get the best out Cups that New Zealand were The team with the biggest of her teammates. Her job, genuine contenders, however improvement over the last few however, is made easier thanks when they were close to that

80 www.womenscriczone.com they are going to be faced with the complete opposite. For Pakistan their coaching staff includes Mark Coles from Whilst a lot of New Zealand, but the question remains as to whether he has attention and enough time to get the players focus will be used to Australian conditions? Pakistan will heavily rely on on the batters who was named within each in the Team of the Tournament in 2018, Bismah Maroof, their side, as they say highest run-getter in T20Is “batters will get and , who is the first you a sponsor, Pakistan cricketer to be ranked number one bowler in ODIs. but the bowlers Sri Lanka will have similar will win you concerns, even though a number of their players have tournaments.” been traveling out to Sydney to I believe, the play in the grade competition— something very similar to bowlers who are English players back in 2007/08 smart enough prior to the World Cup in 2009 to use subtle in Australia where England won. Sripali Weerakkody changes of pace. and Nipuni Hansika are two cricketers that have played for the Sydney Cricket Club, while Chamari Athapaththu has played in both the WBBL and KSL. She will be under a lot of pressure— both from herself and others— to put in special The 2020 T20 World Cup performances. So hopefully her will likely be the most open winning moment in finals or international level. experience in Australia will help competition that has ever taken semi-finals they faltered at the Hopefully I am wrong in my Sri Lanka cause a few upsets place. No longer is it about the last hurdle. assessment, for they do posses along the way. top three teams fighting to make You sense that this may one of the most dynamic all- Whilst a lot of attention the final. Now, up to six teams be the last T20 World Cup rounders in Devine, one of the and focus will be on the batters have a great chance to make it to for players such as Suzie fastest bowlers in Tahuhu and within each side, as they say that special day. Bates, Sophie Devine, Amy one of the all time greats Bates in “batters will get you a sponsor, As these teams fight it out Satterthwaite and , their ranks. but the bowlers will win you at the top level, we, as fans, who have played in all editions The final two sides, Pakistan tournaments.” I believe, the have the best seats in the house of the WBBL in Australia. Apart and Sri Lanka are teams that bowlers who are smart enough to watch things unfold. One from the psychological block continue to improve and are to use subtle changes of pace, senses that March 8, 2020, is when it comes to ICC events, producing more and more and those who can nail their going to be a special day in the there are concerns that the cricketers who are competing yorkers at the death are likely to history of women’s cricket— talent isn’t bursting through and showing real skill on have the most success. a type of moment where, in the pathway system in New the biggest stage. My only Also, in my mind, the decades to come people ask, Zealand to challenge the current concern with both these best fielding always has a big “Where were you?” members. Complacency might sides is the fact that they are advantage. Skill in the field You don’t want to miss out! be a real issue for this group— extremely competitive when means teams convert any half- they are doing enough to make the conditions suit them— low, chances that come their way, Lisa Sthalekar is a former the side but not enough to push slow tuners as their bowlers and are also able to stem the Australian allrounder now turned each other to be good enough to and batters are accustomed flow of runs by diving around cricket commentator. She tweets win those key moments at the to that. However in Australia and covering ground quickly. @sthalekar93.

www.womenscriczone.com 81 SUPER OVER Testing times Send in your answers to [email protected], and a lucky winner will receive a keepsake signed by Smriti Mandhana.

••• 1 ••• ••• 4 ••• ••• 7 •••

••• 2 ••• ••• 8 ••• ••• 5 •••

••• 3 ••• ••• 9 •••

••• 6 •••

••• 10 ••• This quiz has been created by Rama Subramanian, a member of K-Circle.

82 www.womenscriczone.com www.womenscriczone.com 83