Women’s cricket deserves nurturing
IN A word: Gutted. Players in green uniforms strewn over the field, crumpled in a mess. Adults weeping like children. A leader so heartbroken, that a post-match press conference felt like an interrogation. These are the images South African cricket-watching audiences endured after an ICC World Cup semi-final.
Only on Tuesday it was not AB de Villiers choking up. And neither was it Grant Elliott commiserating with Dale Steyn after smashing the great fast bowler into the stands to send the Proteas crashing out. It was Dane van Niekerk and her courageous group of women, who had came within two balls of upsetting hosts England in Bristol, and making their first final.
South Africa, ranked sixth, pushed their more illustrious and experienced opponents to the bitter end on home soil. Often sports teams talk about “leaving it all out there”. After the two-wicket defeat, the Proteas women’s team had nothing left. They had truly left it all out there. They were truly inspiring. Ayabonga Khaka, celebrating her 25th birthday, bowled with a heart as big as that of the great man “Madiba” she shares her birthdate with, while teenaged opening bat Laura Wolvaardt was the embodiment of the fearlessness of youth.
The team’s actions had spoken volumes about their ambition, but it was Van Niekerk’s final words which left a lasting impression: “At the end of the day, it wasn’t enough. We know we have the capability and ability to go all the way at the next World Cup.” It is a clear statement of intent and desire.
Next time, though, the task will be harder. No longer will South Africa be the underdogs. And that is why Cricket South Africa and their sponsors need to raise their support for the women’s game. The public support and awareness of women’s cricket in the country has never been higher.
Active development needs to be initiated to ensure cricket becomes an option for schoolgirls around the country. Equally, young stars such as Wolvaardt need to be looked after so they are not lost to the game due to the need to pursue a career elsewhere. The potential for the Proteas and women’s cricket is limitless. Now it needs to be nurtured in the proper manner.