Sydney, Feb 19 (UNI) "Women’s cricket could reach the next level in the ICC Women’s
T20 World Cup 2020 and I’m incredibly proud that Australia will play host to this historic
tournament," said former Australian international cricketer Brett Lee.
"We have already seen just how far the women’s game has come in such a short space
of time, developing leaps and bounds even since the first Women’s T20 World Cup in 2009.,
he said.
But the chance for that to go one better is really exciting, for the sport in general and for
cricket in Australia, which makes it a privilege to watch it unfold first-hand, Lee said.
The first game at the Sydney Showground between Australia and India could really set
a tone for the tournament, with a match-up between two of the most impressive teams in
the game, he said.
"We saw in the tri-series that these two countries play exciting brands of cricket and
I can’t wait for what is not only going to be a fantastic match, but also a huge occasion
for global sport," Lee said.
With matches in six venues across Sydney, Perth, Canberra and Melbourne, it’s
amazing that Australia has the opportunity to bring the best in the world together in
a festive atmosphere," he said.
These grounds are among the best in the world, for both players and fans, and the
power and artistry that comes with women’s cricket will be fantastic to watch, Lee said.
"Each game and ground will provide a brilliant spectacle but there is something even
more special about the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the home of my first five-wicket haul
on Test debut for Australia," he said.
Lee said hosting the final there on March 8 will be an occasion to behold, and the
prospect of breaking the record attendance for a women’s sporting event – on
International Women’s Day – is an extra special one.
"It is a big ambition, but women’s cricket has continued to pleasantly surprise me and
proven that these challenges are achievable," he said.
"To do that, we’d need to see a crowd like we’ve never seen before, so I’d love for the
fans of all countries, cricket, and sport in general to make themselves counted at the
Big Dance," Lee said.
"Whether it’s at the MCG or the venues around Australia, the ICC Women’s T20 World
Cup 2020 is a chance to be a part of history, creating memories which will stay with
people for generations," he said.
As part of this, Australia will be playing host to some of the greatest cricketers of all
time, an ICC report said.
The home nation will be confident in their chances having won the tournament four
times so far. And in Meg Lanning, they have a really special captain who is the perfect
lead to her team of superstars.
He said England and New Zealand, led by Heather Knight and Sophie Devine, also
bring with them incredibly solid and talented teams that should feel confident of doing
well.
"With Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma
in their batting unit, we’ll also need to keep a close eye on India, a side who are set
to add a fourth dimension to this tournament," Lee said.
"But what strikes me most about the teams coming to Australia is how the gap
between the top few teams and the rest is narrowing," he said.
All ten countries will be confident of producing strong performances and results in
this competition, which makes the battle to reach the semi-finals in Sydney and the
final in Melbourne even more exciting, Lee said.
The future is therefore bright for the women’s game, and if the tournament is able
to reach its predicted new heights, then the sky really is the limit, he added.
UNI XC-BM