Women’s cricket can lead the way believe New Zealand's Sophie Devine and India's Jemimah Rodrigues as they say they are open to innovations in their game.
Women’s cricket can lead the way believe New Zealand's Sophie Devine and India's Jemimah Rodrigues as they say they are open to innovations in their game.
The two on ICC's webinar spoke about the shorter pitches, smaller balls, and super-subs (substitutes) during the one-hour 100% Innovations session. The talk was moderated by former Australia cricketer and leading commentator Mel Jones.
Devine, who was the top run-getter for New Zealand at this year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, said that they are open to experiments.
“I think if we are stuck with traditional formats, we'd be missing out on a lot of new players, new kids, new athletes 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," Devine stated, according to ICC.
“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,” the Kiwi skipper added.
Rodrigues, who was one of four teenagers to represent India at the T20 World Cup, said not to compare the men's and women's cricket formats.
“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, in the end, you have got to accept the fact that there are slight differences between the two," Rodrigues said.
“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? 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,” the Indian batswomen concluded.
The two cricketers also discussed the importance of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games for women’s cricket. While Rodrigues said she had always dreamt of winning a medal at an event, Devine indicated that just being at the games would be wonderful.
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 "Sophie Devine and Jemimah Rodrigues")
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