Nothing will stop me from cursing the England and Wales Cricket Board for their counterproductive policy of scheduling women’s tours simultaneously with the men. There’s an important, indeed, sudden-death women’s Test match going on at New Road, Worcester which is being totally eclipsed for media attention by the most riveting men’s Ashes series in almost a quarter of a century.
I have to admit that it is also drawing my attention away from the women’s Ashes more than I would like. It’s probably more hope than expectation, but perhaps we’ll see a better deal now that the ICC governs the women’s game.
Play began at Worcester at 3pm on Wednesday, and after 55 overs of play, Australia was 126 for 7.
With the reduced day’s play, my Wilson-Snowball votes for Day One are: 2 pts – Jenny Gunn; 1 pt – Lisa Sthalekar.