Women’s star Taylor to make history in Australia men’s game

England women global Sarah Taylor is set to become the first female player to play men’s grade cricket in Australia this weekend.

Taylor was in the Northern Districts side for the match against Port Adelaide in the South Australian competition which is the highest level of cricket played in the state outside of first class cricket.

Taylor will don the gloves as the Jets take on Port Adelaide Magpies, lining up alongside South Australia and Leicestershire batsman Mark Cosgrove and ex-Hampshire batsman Joe Gatting.

Taylor has played 179 times for England women across all three formats, scoring five one-day worldwide centuries.

Speaking with cricket.com.au on Thursday, the 26-year-old said she was “nervous and excited” about making her debut.

Ahead of the match Taylor said she was feeling “a combination of nerves and excitement”.

“I have grown up playing boys cricket at Brighton College and more recently in the European Central Bank men’s premier league for Walmley CC, so I am used to playing with the guys”. “I just want to build that respect that I’m not a girl, I’m just another player”.

“Much has been spoken and written about Sarah’s wicket-keeping prowess and I’m sure that this standard of cricket will enhance her skills and reputation further”. “I was technically good and pace [on the ball] wasn’t an issue at all”.

Not all statisticians seem entirely happy to let a Pom to take the accolade, with references also made to a T20 match in Victoria once played by Cathryn Fitzpatrick, who stepped down as coach of the Australian women’s team in May, but Taylor’s achievement in being selected for a two-day game will gain universal recognition.

“I’ve always wanted to push myself and check where I’m at in terms of my cricket”, she added. Cricket Australia General Manager Team Performance Pat Howard said Taylor’s selection might open the way for other women players.

With her England team-mate Kate Cross having become the first woman to turn out in the Central Lancashire League last summer, Taylor believes more could follow in their footsteps by penetrating the men’s game at club level. She has also signed to play for the Adelaide Strikers in Australia’s inaugural women’s Big Bash Twenty20 League.