Pakistani great’s comments ‘misguided’

Australia’s female cricketers have hit back at Waqar Younis’s suggestion that 50-over matches are too long for the women’s game, with all-rounder Jess Jonassen labelling the remarks ‘‘offensive’’ and ‘‘misguided’’.

Younis last week tweeted the ICC, proposing women’s ODI games be reduced to 30 overs apiece, likening his alternative format to a tennis grand slam where women only play a best-ofthree sets as opposed to the five played by their male counterparts.

Wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy was quick to rebut the retired Pakistan paceman: ‘‘So what you’re saying is that 530 runs in a 50-over game isn’t entertaining?! With two of the best innings anyone has seen ..... ’’

Healy was referring to Australia’s win over Sri Lanka in Bristol where Chamari Atapattu crunched an unbeaten 178 only for Meg Lanning to produce 152 not out as her side chased down 257-9.

Younis, 45, has since clarified his original comments, saying: ‘‘Lesser overs mean faster pace, more audience, competitive cricket, no discrimination or prejudice toward women.’’

‘‘It is a little bit offensive, what’s T20 cricket for,’’ Jonassen said.

‘‘It’s quite interesting that he said it the day after our match against Sri Lanka that was one of the highest scoring games of the World Cup so far. Five hundred odd runs scored and two of the best innings of the women’s game ever. I think [it’s] maybe a little bit misguided.’’