Women’s star Taylor makes history in Australian men’s game
England international Sarah Taylor made history Saturday by becoming
the first woman to play men’s grade cricket in Australia, but it was a
hard slog in the field for her team.
The 26-year-old appeared as wicketkeeper for Northern Districts
against Port Adelaide at Salisbury Oval in South Australia’s premier
men’s competition. Northern Districts won the toss and put Port Adelaide
in to bat, only to see them rack up 177 before the first wicket fell.
Ahead of the match Taylor said she was feeling “a combination of
nerves and excitement”.
“I’ve always wanted to push myself and check where I’m at in terms of
my cricket,” added the veteran of eight Tests, 98 one-day internationals
and 73 Twenty20s for England.
“It shows that if you’re good enough, doors will open... I just want
to build that respect that I’m not a girl, I’m just another player.”
Cricket Australia’s team performance manager Pat Howard said Taylor
was ready for the challenge.
“As the women’s game becomes increasingly professional there are more
opportunities than ever before for elite female players,” he said.
“We are very proud that our women’s domestic competitions are
arguably the strongest in the world and our ability to attract
world-class players such as Sarah is testament to that.”
(AFP) |