One of the England International Women’s team player is going to set a new record and make history. She is England Wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor. Sarah was not only a wicketkeeper, she is also a good batswoman. Sarah has become the first woman to play in men’s grade cricket in Australia. She is playing for the Northern Districts Cricket Club against Port Adelaide team. This  match is one of the South Australia’s top men’s competition.

As Sarah Taylor is not new for this playing in men’s team, she had played cricket at Brighton College with boys and recently in the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) men’s premier league. So far, Sarah Taylor has played 8 Tests, 98 ODIs and 73 T20s for England. The competition which Sarah is going to play was started in 1897. In the competition, each match is played for 2 days.

“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. She also said, “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.” Sarah Taylor was the first female cricketer achieving this feat from England.

When asked about sledging activity which is common in Australian cricket, Sarah replied, “If I get any sledging, it’s a bit of respect because they’re treating me like one of the other players.” Earlier, Cathryn Fitzpatrick has played in men’s top grade cricket in Australia in a T20 match. Former Australian Women’s Team Captain Karen Rolton featured in several B and C grade matches for Port Adelaide.

“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 a testament to that,” said Cricket Australia General Manager Team Performance Pat Howard.