Women’s cricket is growing in global popularity, driven by a group of stars who redefine athletic excellence every day.
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These athletes are not just players but true MVPs who change entire matches with their unique skills.
Get ready to meet the most valuable players in the world, those who dominate the rankings and win major titles.
Let’s dive into the stories and statistics of these legends who are shaping the exciting future of this rising sport.
Nat Sciver-Brunt (England)
First up is the phenomenal English all rounder, Nat Sciver-Brunt. If you’re looking for a player who can single handedly change the course of a match, she is the one to watch.
Her dynamic presence on the field is a game changer for any team she represents.
Currently, she is a vital part of the England national team, Trent Rockets in The Hundred, and the Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), showcasing her versatility across different formats.
Her list of achievements is truly impressive. Nat was a key member of the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup winning squad and has also lifted trophies in The Hundred and the WPL.
She is famous for inventing the “Natmeg” shot, a creative stroke played between her own legs. Her value comes from her remarkable consistency with both bat and ball.
She can score quick runs under pressure and also break crucial partnerships with her clever bowling, making her one of the most complete players in womens cricket.
Beyond her on-field heroics, here’s a fun fact: Nat is married to her England teammate and fellow cricket star, Katherine Sciver-Brunt.
They made history as the first married couple to play together for England. This partnership on and off the field is a wonderful story of camaraderie in sport.
Ashleigh Gardner (Australia)
Next, we have the poweful Australian all rounder, Ashleigh Gardner. She brings an incredible amount of energy and power to the game, making her a fan favorite.
Her ability to hit the ball with immense force and her crafty off-spin bowling make her a constant threat to opponents.
Gardner is a cornerstone of the dominant Australian national team, and she also shines for the Sydney Sixers and the Gujarat Giants.
Ashleigh has a cabinet full of medals, having won multiple T20 World Cups and an ODI World Cup with Australia.
Her value lies in her aggressive style of play, which can quickly take the game away from the opposition.
She is known for clearing the boundary with ease and her bowling is equally effective, often providing breakthroughs when her team needs them most.
As the first Indigenous Australian woman to play in a Cricket World Cup for her country, she is also a trailblazer.
An interesting fact about Ashleigh is her deep connection to her heritage.
As a proud Muruwari woman, she actively uses her platform to promote Indigenous culture and is a powerful advocate for her community.
Her journey is as inspiring as her powerful hitting.
Ellyse Perry (Australia)
It’s impossible to talk about the best in women’s cricket without mentioning Ellyse Perry. Widely regarded as one of the greatest all rounders in the history of the sport, Perry is a true icon.
Her dedication and skill have set a benchmark for cricketers worldwide.
She represents Australia, the Sydney Sixers, and the Royal Challengers Bangalore, and her impact is felt in every match she plays.
Perry’s trophy collection is astounding, featuring numerous T20 and ODI World Cup titles.
She has also won the prestigious Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year multiple times.
Her value comes from her unmatched consistency over a long career. Whether it’s scoring crucial centuries or taking wickets with her fast medium bowling, she always delivers.
She is the ultimate professional, known for her incredible work ethic and her contribution to womens cricket.
Here’s a mind-blowing fact: Ellyse Perry is the only athlete, male or female, to have appeared in both cricket and football (soccer) World Cups for Australia.
She made her international debut in both sports at just 16 years old. Her dual sport career is a testament to her extraordinary athletic talent.
Hayley Matthews (West Indies)
From the vibrant Caribbean comes Hayley Matthews, the captain of the West Indies team. She is a player who leads from the front with her brilliant all round skills.
As an opening batter, she sets the tone with her powerful approach, and her off-spin bowling is a vital asset for her team.
She plays for the West Indies, Welsh Fire, and the Mumbai Indians, where her leadership shines through as a prominent figure in Caribbean womens cricket.
A career highlight for Matthews was being part of the 2016 T20 World Cup winning team, where she played a starring role in the final.
Her value is immense, as captain, she shoulders great responsibility and inspires her team with her performances.
She is one of the most dangerous batters at the top of the order and a highly dependable bowler who can take on any challenge.
What many might not know is that Hayley was also a gifted track and field athlete.
She won a bronze medal in the javelin throw at the 2015 CARIFTA Games, showcasing her incredible versatility as an athlete.
Sophie Ecclestone (England)
Now, let’s focus on the world’s premier spinner, Sophie Ecclestone of England.
Standing tall, her height gives her a unique advantage, allowing her to generate extra bounce that troubles even the best batters.
She is the backbone of England’s bowling attack and also represents the Manchester Originals and UP Warriorz in franchise cricket, making her a top name in global womens cricket.
While team trophies are a focus, Ecclestone’s individual accolades are remarkable. She has been consistently ranked as the world’s number one bowler in T20I and ODI cricket for a long time.
Her value lies in her incredible accuracy and control. She rarely gives away easy runs and has a knack for taking wickets at critical moments, making her the go to bowler for her captain in any situation.
Away from the cricket pitch, Sophie is a passionate football fan. She is a huge supporter of Everton F.C. and often shares her love for the club, connecting with fans on a different level.
Smriti Mandhana (India)
As a left-handed opening batter, Smriti Mandhana is known for her beautiful stroke play and effortless timing, which makes her one of the most aesthetically pleasing batters to watch.
She is a key player for India and is the captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the WPL.
Mandhana recently led her team to a historic victory, winning the WPL 2024 title with RCB. She has also achieved the distinction of being the youngest Indian T20I captain.
Her value is clear, she provides strong starts and can score big, laying the foundation for her team’s success.
Her calm demeanor under pressure and her leadership qualities make her an invaluable asset to Indian womens cricket.
An interesting piece of her story is that her family has always been her biggest support system.
Smriti was inspired to play cricket by her brother, Shravan, who also played at a high level. She would watch him and soon decided to follow in his footsteps, and the rest is history.
Conclusion
And there you have it, a look at some of the most valuable players lighting up women’s cricket today.
From powerful all rounders to elegant batters and masterful bowlers, the sport is filled with inspiring athletes who are breaking records and winning hearts.
These players are not just at the top of their game they are shaping the future of cricket for generations to come.
Their dedication, skill, and passion make every match a must watch event, promising a very bright future for womens cricket.
FAQs
1. Who is considered the best all rounder in womens cricket?
While there are many incredible all rounders, Australia’s Ellyse Perry is often cited as the greatest of all time.
2. What is the importance of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) to womens cricket?
The WPL is hugely important as it provides a global stage for players, increases investment in the sport, and inspires millions of young girls to take up cricket.
3. How are player rankings determined in international womens cricket?
A points system is used based on match performance, runs scored, wickets taken, and the quality of the opponent.
4. Which team is the most successful in the history of womens cricket?
The Australian women’s national cricket team is the most successful in history, having won the most ODI and T20 World Cup titles.
