Sports
Sarah Taylor is set to become the first woman to play in a men’s A-grade cricket match in Australia. But it is not the first time a woman cricketer has played in a men's team. Here we list six other similar instances
Updated : Sep 30, 2017, 12:58 AM IST
England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor is set to become the first woman to play in a men’s A-grade cricket match in Australia.
While this is indeed a unique achievement that deserves to be lauded, it is not the first time a woman cricketer has played in a men's team. Here we list six other similar instances.
1) Zoe Goss: Zoe Goss was a pace bowler who played for the Australian women's team from 1987 to 2000. While she played 12 women's Tests and 65 ODIs, she is best known for participating in the Bradman Foundation charity match in Sydney in December 1994. She was called into the squad when rugby league player Paul Vautin withdrew due to illness.
Interestingly, Goss took 2/60 from 10 overs, including the wickets of batting great Brian Lara and former Windies keeper Jeff Dujon.
2) Kate Cross
England's 24-year-old fast bowler Kate Cross made history by becoming the first woman to play in the Central Lancashire League, in April 2015. She took 3/19 for Heywood against Clifton. When she played for Heywood again, she took a stunning 8/47.
3) Arran Brindle
Arran Brindle became the first woman to score a century in men's semi-professional cricket as she scored 128 for her team against Market Deeping CC on 21 May 2011.
Earlier, she had played alongside husband James for Louth in the Lincolnshire League, finally captaining it in 2010. She still continues to play for Louth in the men's team.
4) Ellyse Alexandra Perry
Ellyse Perry holds the unique distinction of playing both cricket and football for her country, Australia. She debuted in both games at the age of 16.
Later, she also became the first woman to play Sydney grade cricket. In a Poidevin-Gray Shield Twenty20 against Blacktown, she took 2/14 from 4 overs in a menacing spell.
5) Chloe Wallwork
In August 2013, Chloe Wallwork became the first female ever to play in the Bolton Association, making her debut for local club Walshaw, against Golborne.
What's more, she took 4 wickets in 11 overs to set up a win for her team. Later, she told the Daily Mail that 'men hate getting out to women' and that 'either try to block me or slog me'. But she did get them out that day.
6) Clare Connor
English all-rounder Clare Connor, an OBE recepient, became famous for playing for the Brighton College men's cricket team before starting her ODI career for England. She then played in the Cricketer Cup when she appeared for Old Brightonians against Lancing Rovers. Connor was awarded the MBE in June 2004 and the prestigious OBE in 2006.
These however are isolated cases, and no woman cricketer has yet played alongside men at international level. Do you think the ICC should allow mixed-gender cricket teams?