England women's cricketer set to create history in Australia

Sarah Taylor is making history by becoming the first woman to play men’s grade cricket in Australia

England international wicketkeeper-batter, Sarah Taylor is all set to make history this weekend when she becomes the first woman to play men's grade cricket in Australia. The English star will play for the Northern Districts Cricket Club in their season-opener against Port Adelaide in South Australia’s top men’s competition, where she will line-up alongside South Australian batsman Mark Cosgrove.

She admitted having grown up playing boys cricket at Brighton College and more recently in the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) men's premier league, so this is not entirely new for her.

Taylor, who has played eight Tests, 98 One-Day Internationals and 73 Twenty20s for England, will keep for Northern Districts and bat at number eight. She will be the first woman to play in the competition’s two-day match since the league was formed in 1897.

"I’m nervous and excited. I’ve always wanted to push myself and check where I’m at in terms of my cricket," Taylor told cricket.com.au. She was not placing added pressure on herself by setting any particular goals. "It’s going to take a bit for me to get used to the extra pace and bounce but I want to challenge myself and test where my cricket is at, to see if I can cope at that level. If I can’t I can’t and if I can, I can, but it will be a good challenge.”

When questioned on how she would deal with sledging, which is a common occurence in Australian cricket, the reigning ICC Women’s One-Day International Cricketer of the Year said, "If I get any sledging, it’s a bit of respect because they’re treating me like one of the other players."

Only Southern Stars pace legend Cathryn Fitzpatrick has previously played men’s top grade cricket in Australia, appearing in one Twenty20 for Dandenong in 2006-07. Former Australian captain Karen Rolton featured in several B and C grade matches for Port Adelaide during the early 2000s, but it is the first time an English female cricketer is achieveing this feat.

It is not the first time that the second-ranked batter in women’s ODI cricket has lined up alongside men. Two years ago, Taylor played for Walmley in the Birmingham and District Premier League – one of England’s strongest club competitions.

Cricket Australia General Manager Team Performance Pat Howard said Taylor was up for the challenge. "As the women’s game becomes increasingly professional there are more opportunities than ever before for elite female players. Sarah’s selection for the Northern District Cricket Club’s first XI is a demonstration that cricket is a sport for all. We are very proud that our women’s domestic competitions are arguably the strongest in the world and our ability to attract world-class players such as Sarah is testament to that."

Taylor has already signed to play for Adelaide Strikers in the inaugural edition of the Women's Big Bash League this winter, and is also currently playing 50-over women's state cricket.