India’s star batswoman Jemimah Rodrigues and New Zealand captain Sophie Devine have called for the innovations in Women’s cricket like the use of shorter pitches, smaller balls, and the introduction of super-subs in order to boost its popularity across the world.
Rodrigues and Devine have recently discussed various topics during the fourth installment of the 100% Cricket webinar series moderated by former Australia cricketer and leading commentator Mel Jones.
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Devine, who was the highest run-getter for New Zealand at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 in March, feels the introduction of a smaller ball could change the dynamics of the women’s game.
The White Ferns captain said: “I think if we are stuck with traditional formats, we’d be missing out on a lot of new players, new kids to the game. So, I think it’s really an exciting idea to say that we might be able to encourage people along that make it tailored towards the female side of things.”
She further explained, “It’s always good to have a little trial and error and see what works. I’m probably a big fan of looking at a smaller ball, but keeping the pitch the same size, where I think pacers are going to be able to bowl quicker, spinners are going be able to turn the ball more. Hopefully, the ball should fly a bit further as well whereas still keeping the traditional length of the pitch.”
Meanwhile, Rodrigues has suggested a shorter pitch for women’s game if it could attract more fans, while saying women’s cricket shouldn’t be compared with male’s game.
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Rodrigues said, “To be very honest, I would go with, you know, like let’s not compare it (men’s and women’s cricket) that much. Because, you know, at the end, you have got to accept the fact that there are slight differences between the two. But, yeah, I mean, we can also be open to (a shorter pitch), try it out. If that is going to help the game improve and take it to the next level, then why not?”
She further added, “You know, kind of get a thought to it, think about it, because at the end of it, we want to promote the game. We want to get more people to watch the game and more people to even join the game. So, yeah, I think it is a good idea. I think, you know, you can be open to it.”
Both women star cricketers welcomed the idea of having a T20 event for women at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Rodrigues signed off by saying, “World Cup is the ultimate but there’s something different about an Olympic or a Commonwealth Games. Whenever I used to see the Olympics going on I used to say when will I get the opportunity and at that time I didn’t know whether it would be cricket or hockey. I used to always dream of having something like that and wearing that medal so I think this is very exciting for me and I’m super excited for it.”
(With AP Inputs)
