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[pie-man]

Past few years women's cricket has been seen as a priority and there is still a lot of catching up to do with the men's game.

I agree with this.  And my, controversial view is that the players should be doing more...  An example - my neighbour, who prefers football to cricket always makes the usual comment:  "cricket is a boring game played by overweight, unfit people who enjoy tea too much".  Watching Shrubsole, Brunt et al only reinforces this view.  Ill point out that I am overweight and probably dont bowl above 68mph these days but these are professional cricketers, presumably with access to strength and conditioning coaches and dietitians? 

Its not just appearance BTW, the imbalance between bat and ball is huge - Im not surprised most womens test matches end in a draw! These women have fought so hard to be professional and they want to be viewed in the same way as the men (rightly so) but the gulf in fitness and agility needs to be addressed.  The commentators were asking why women's tests are only 4 days - I dont think some of these ladies could manage any longer. 

Cricket fans want:  bumpers, stumps flying, diving catches and run outs.  If they wanted to see a red-faced bowler, huffing and puffing after delivering 68mph pies we'd get far more spectators at club games!

Just my view...  And for the record, I am a big fan of closing the gap and affording the women the same as the men

[ppccopener]

Interesting stuff @pie-man as you say perhaps some controversial points raised in your post.

It was a few years ago but my club did play against Middlesex ladies, there were some England players there although I cannot remember their names.

I played and technically most of them were very good, pace wise our club bowlers did cause them some discomfort, none of theirs did to us, but.....technically the batters were pretty good and had been coached it was obvious.

Physical fitness probably has improved in recent times for the women, they move towards a professional game, I don't think they are classed as ameteurs any longer.

The physical strength side of it I don't know how much that can improve, I suspect there will be others on here who share different views 

There is a comparison with tennis I think, how many people want to watch the sport will determine prize money, tv coverage etc.

But the women game is developing and there is still a significant gap to the men.

How much that gap can and will close in the future I don't think anyone knows,that's presuming stumps flying and big sixes,bowlers up to 70-80 mph is want people want to see-with the men's game as an example

[SD]

It's a fair point that the women's game isn't going to be taken seriously until they can attain the fitness levels of Rahkeem Cornwall, Inzamam, Samit Patel or Mark Cosgrove

[pie-man]

Interesting stuff @pie-man as you say perhaps some controversial points raised in your post.

It was a few years ago but my club did play against Middlesex ladies, there were some England players there although I cannot remember their names.

I played and technically most of them were very good, pace wise our club bowlers did cause them some discomfort, none of theirs did to us, but.....technically the batters were pretty good and had been coached it was obvious.

Physical fitness probably has improved in recent times for the women, they move towards a professional game, I don't think they are classed as ameteurs any longer.

The physical strength side of it I don't know how much that can improve, I suspect there will be others on here who share different views 

There is a comparison with tennis I think, how many people want to watch the sport will determine prize money, tv coverage etc.

But the women game is developing and there is still a significant gap to the men.

How much that gap can and will close in the future I don't think anyone knows.

I think, for all its criticism, the Hundred will do good things for the womens game.  Double-headers with more fans and exposure is great.  I just hope we see stumps flying and outrageous catches! 

[pie-man]

It's a fair point that the women's game isn't going to be taken seriously until they can attain the fitness levels of Rahkeem Cornwall, Inzamam, Samit Patel or Mark Cosgrove

I was waiting for something like that!  Cornwall the only relevant mention as Inzi played in an area when it was acceptable, Samit was dropped because of it (I suspect) and Cosgrove didnt play test cricket.  I understand the point, though!

[SD]

I was waiting for something like that!  Cornwall the only relevant mention as Inzi played in an area when it was acceptable, Samit was dropped because of it (I suspect) and Cosgrove didnt play test cricket.  I understand the point, though!

One of cricket's great appeals is that everyone can play it.  Shane Warne is one of the greatest players to have played the game despite being overweight throughouthis career.  Flintoff and Gough both played international cricket as quick bowlers despite the excess weight they both carried. 

For the most part, it seems to me that the current group of top level women's cricketers in this country are doing well given that this is the first year that there has been a professional domestic structure in place. 

[ppccopener]

One of cricket's great appeals is that everyone can play it.  Shane Warne is one of the greatest players to have played the game despite being overweight throughouthis career.  Flintoff and Gough both played international cricket as quick bowlers despite the excess weight they both carried. 

For the most part, it seems to me that the current group of top level women's cricketers in this country are doing well given that this is the first year that there has been a professional domestic structure in place. 

Totally agree it's a game for everyone, your equating someone overweight but not being fit enough to play International cricket. It's a different discussion but I'm not sure I would make that distinction. There's being fit enough to play whilst carrying extra weight or there's being not fit enough to play.

Warne didn't retire thet long ago, and carried 'extra weight' all through his career. Gough would not of played the amount of games he did without reaching an acceptable level that allowed for a few extra pounds.

[More Glue Than Wood]

Interesting. I prefer Hartley and Isha as I find Westbury annoying. Each to their own I suppose, hence why everyone has people they like and dislike

Hartley and Isha are very good too - they can replace Dan Norcross too!!

[Jimbo]

Think the point about a professional domestic structure for women is massive. How much better, quicker, stronger, fitter, etc would players be if they'd been paid for training full time since they were 17/18 like professional men's players?

Pointless making comparisons about the talent pool, fitness levels, etc until a proper infrastructure has been in place long enough for the entire England women's team to have progressed through it.

[mo_town]

Watching the highlights, some beautiful shots played by Shafali and Smriti. Smriti especially is so easy on the eyes with those glorious square drives. Shafali reminded so much of Shewag, playing T20 style shots in a test match ... Shame about the collapse though. Hope India fight back today, weather permitting.