By Casey O'Connor
As a long time cricket tragic I was very reluctant to entertain the T20 format and BBL let alone embrace it. And although I will probably be howled down I felt much the same way about women’s cricket when it first began to gain traction much to the admonishment of my Spin partner.
Since then I have warmed to T20 cricket in fact I now enjoy the format and acknowledge it has brought many and varied skills to all forms of the game which we old blokes never entertained.
As for women’s cricket I quickly changed my tune after watching some stunning international games recently.
Last weekend I ventured to AB Oval to watch the semi finals of the Women’s Big Bash league. The competition held as a stand-alone entity for the first time this season and wow what a success it has been.
If I wasn’t a fan of the format and Women’s cricket before I certainly am now.
The oppressive conditions in Brisbane on Saturday were quickly forgotten as we witnessed two semi finals that were entertaining, exciting and showcased great talent.
There are some seriously big hitters among these girls and their power is generated from great batting technique and excellent timing. On the bowling front there are plenty of bowlers who would challenge some of our top class test players.
The two semis were outstanding contests and I can recommend AB Oval to anyone who has not been there to watch a game.
Warwick product Delissa Kimmince played a key role in the Heat’s win on Saturday. She carried her good form into Sunday’s game as the Brisbane Heat ladies chalked up back to back wins in the WBBL in front of a sell-out crowd. Player of the final Beth Mooney was sensational and the side was well captained by Kristy Short. Sami Joe Johnson and Jess Jonasson thrilled the crowds with their hitting prowess.
In both the semi- final and final the Heat looked to have the job in front of them chasing down big totals. In both games the Heat got the job done with what looked to be relative ease.
I am now a serious convert and cannot wait to be in the crowd at the MCG for what will be a landmark occasion in women’s sport. Cricket Australia is aiming for a world record crowd for the final of the Women’s T20 World Cup in March and I will not miss the occasion.
Who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
Casey
