Former England skipper of the Women’s Cricket team Clare Conor is optimistic of the fact that England’s thrilling win over India in the final will definitely act as a catalyst for women’s cricket to improve further in the years to come. She recalled the sensational spell of Anya Shrubsole which helped England stage a dramatic comeback and snatched the match from India’s grasp.
She was overwhelmed with the response at the Lord’s Cricket Ground on Sunday and said that the 27,000 sell out crowd was “ecstatically overwhelming”. Following England’s 4th World Cup victory she wants to increase the level of potential for her sport in her country. A s a matter of fact, the England’s men team have never gone on to lift the elusive trophy in their history despite being the inventors of the game.
“I found yesterday ecstatically overwhelming,” Conor said. “I’m normally quite composed, but I found myself welling up on TMS between innings. It is very, very special when you have been privileged enough to have played for your country and then see that happening in front of you as special if not more so, than the day we regained the Ashes in 2005. It was certainly up there with the best days of my life,” she further added.
Not many would have been happier than Connor both as an administrator and as a former captain and a player. She rated the experience on par with her most memorable achievement which was regaining the Ashes from Australia in 2005 after 42 years of utter dominance by the Aussies. But with the Kia Super League scheduled for next month, there is no time to rest for the English and Wales Cricket Board, especially Connor.
Around 100 million people watched the final of the Women’s World Cup between India and England which has helped the participation level to rise and keeping all these in mind Conor is hopeful that the future is pretty bright for women’s cricket.
“Everyone talks about a watershed and game-changing moment, and this does feel like that. We knew it was going to be a huge opportunity,” she added. “And of course it’s vitally important we make sure this success inspires and connects with talented girls and boys. Of course, we must enjoy the moment, but we must also make sure we continue to make the most of it as well,” Connor was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
