In the most recent installment of the For the Love of Cricket audio program, Jos Buttler, Stuart Broad and Ebony Rainford-Brent recently went in-depth on the current discourse surrounding the preeminent figures in women’s cricket.
The heart of the matter centered on the contemporary legends, such as Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry, Sarah Taylor and rising stars like Annabel Sutherland. The athletes were assessed not only for their abilities with bat and ball, but also for their command and sway in molding the sport. Broad pondered whether Lanning could be deemed the finest female cricketer ever, and the ensuing exchange yielded insightful perspectives on the elements constituting a truly remarkable athlete.
Meg Lanning: The best in the modern era?
Broad jumpstarted the discussion by asking Ebony whether Meg Lanning might be considered the best female cricket player of all time. Ebony gave a resounding yes, emphasizing that Lanning’s steadiness and accomplishments in different forms of the game set her apart.
“I think Meg Lanning belongs right up there with the best to ever do it. She has captained a squad that has been, and continues to be, a dominant force in global cricket. What is striking is not only her batting prowess but also her knack for continually evolving and guiding her squad to triumph,” Ebony remarked.
Ebony placed emphasis on Lanning’s thoughtful and deliberate way of batting, taking note of how she allows herself a period of adjustment before launching into aggression. In The Hundred, Lanning has enjoyed success thanks to a strategic mindset where she resists the urge to rush her innings, dedicating time to size up the playing surface and the environment.
“What I particularly appreciate… and I’ve picked up on this with several athletes this year, is their willingness to absorb four or five deliveries before unleashing. I observed Meg Lanning employing this in both of her highest-scoring innings. She is allowing herself a window to evaluate the opposition and then assert control over the contest,” Ebony clarified.
Elise Perry: The all-rounder who revolutionized women’s cricket
As the dialogue went on, Broad brought up Perry, extolling her as a versatile player who has exerted considerable influence on women’s cricket. He was particularly won over by Perry’s twin contributions in both cricket and football, referring to her as an ‘incredible sportswoman’ for achieving excellence in a pair of professional sports.
“Elise Perry, to me, I enjoy watching her because of that authentic all-around aptitude. She’s been consistent over an extended period. An incredible sportsperson, and not just in cricket either. Didn’t she participate in the World Cup for football for Australia as well? I believe so, which is exceptionally impressive,” Broad observed.
However, Ebony was more inclined towards Lanning because of her leadership and the manner in which she has dominated the sport in every format. While Perry’s professional life is noteworthy, Ebony is of the opinion that Lanning’s impact on the sport, most notably as a leader, gives her an edge in the quest to be the Greatest Of All Time. Broad also made mention of promising young players such as Sutherland, lauding her refined bowling action and her capacity to develop into a future luminary in women’s cricket.
“Annabelle Sutherland… possesses a great deal of ability to be on par with the star figures,” Broad stated, adding that her displays for the Superchargers are drawing the attention of cricket authorities. Despite her auspicious future, Broad admitted a personal liking for Nat Sciver-Brunt, whom he holds in high regard for her distinctive striking capability. “I kind of favor Nat Silver Brunt. I’ve got a real soft spot for her in that she’s homegrown. She’s English. You hope for English players to prosper. She hits the ball in a noticeably different manner actually,” Broad offered.
Sarah Taylor: The trailblazer in wicketkeeping
Buttler, recognized for his profound insight of the sport, introduced Taylor into the conversation about the Greatest Of All Time. Buttler brought to light Taylor’s transformation of wicketkeeping, pointing to her remarkable ability behind the stumps. He recalled a specific occurrence where Taylor executed a one-handed catch off a reverse sweep, an instance that lingers in the minds of cricket enthusiasts.
He proceeded to describe how Taylor, with her creativity and brilliance as a wicketkeeper, was instrumental in defining new benchmarks for wicketkeeping in women’s cricket. Buttler’s respect for Taylor’s prowess and leadership made it plain that she, too, is a candidate for the title of the Greatest Of All Time in women’s cricket.
“I’m going to nominate Sarah Taylor. She’s here with us with the originals and as a wicketkeeper. I just felt that she really revolutionized the game, the standard of her wicketkeeping. She’s probably still made the most remarkable catch you’ve ever seen, like a full-blooded reverse sweep that she just dove and caught one-handed from standing up to the stumps. I’ve enjoyed working with her here. I believed she was a bit of a pioneer. So I’m just going to bring her into the discussion as well,” Buttler stated.
The GOAT debate: Who truly deserves the title?
The conversation veered towards leadership, with both Broad and Ebony in agreement that command is a pivotal ingredient in defining greatness. Lanning’s effectiveness in leading Australia to numerous World Cup victories, both as a captain and as a consistent performer with the bat, was singled out as one of her hallmark traits.
“I tend to favor someone who had an impact, not only in the way they performed but also in establishing the standard for everyone else,” Ebony remarked. Lanning’s leadership approach, together with her game-winning performances, has exerted a profound effect on Australian cricket, further cementing her place in the Greatest Of All Time debate.
Meanwhile Broad hilariously wrapped up by choosing Perry as the definitive Greatest Of All Time. “Well, we haven’t come to any firm conclusion on the Greatest Of All Time at all. We’ve just straddled the fence throughout. But seeing as I get the final say, I’m going to declare Elise Perry to be the GOAT of the Love Cricket podcast since that’s my judgment,”
This article was initially featured at WomenCricket.com, a division of Cricket Times.
