Women's game ready for spotlight: Perry

Women’s cricket is ready to command its own time in the spotlight, according to recently crowned ICC Cricketer of the Year Ellyse Perry.

The Sydney Sixers captain and Australia star allrounder says there has never been a better time to be an elite female cricketer after a breakout year on the international and domestic stages.

The ICC World Cup 50-over final sold out at Lord’s and was watched by millions across the globe. The tournament as a whole was watched by more than 180 million people.

The Commonwealth Bank Women’s Ashes was another resounding success, and Rebel WBBL|03 is on track to smash the league’s previous viewership and attendance records.

It has been the success of the game as a whole that Perry said stood out as a highlight from the past 12 months.

“I think No.1 in terms of highlights, it’s certainly just what’s happened and what’s been achieved in the women’s game, starting with the World Cup in England,” she said.

“I think the Ashes series here – certainly reclaiming that for Australia – was really special, and the enormity of that series as well, in terms of the amount of people that came to the ground to watch matches, people that tuned in on TV and online was just wonderful.

“So I think, from that point of view, it’s just been a bit of a whirlwind year, really.

“I can’t believe what’s happened – I don’t think many of us can at the moment, but we’re certainly very appreciative for all the support and interest that’s been shown.

“And similarly, I think the investment and the time that Cricket Australia and the ICC have spent in terms of growing women’s cricket has been really special, and I think there’s no better time to be an elite female cricketer in the world.”

Perry’s Sixers sit on top of the WBBL|03 ladder courtesy of a superior net run rate to Adelaide Strikers and Sydney Thunder, who have also won three of four games to date.

They will take on the Hurricanes tomorrow at the SCG, before the men’s sides face off in a BBL clash later in the afternoon.

Perry said although she enjoyed the double-header matches with the women’s and men’s competition, the growing popularity of what is widely regarded as the best domestic T20 competition for women in the world meant it was ready for its own season.

“I think double-headers have had a really important role in terms of growing the game, but I guess ultimately we’d really like to be our own standalone competition and match to come and watch,” she said.

“I know Cricket Australia’s view leading into the future and particularly into the T20 World Cup in 2020 here is basically have these matches as standalones and get big crowds into good-sized stadiums.

“I think that’s a very possible goal and something that is worthwhile achieving.

“But at the moment, I really like the club feel we have at the Sixers, and I think all the Big Bash clubs have that in terms of the men’s and women’s playing together. So we love playing before the guys, especially out on the SCG.”