Natalie Sciver-Brunt’s passion for cricket shines through as she reveals she would have played the sport regardless of financial incentives. Her cricket journey began at 13 when she joined a local club, driven purely by her love for the game. Her dedication paid off when she secured a spot on the ECB’s list of professional contracts, benefiting England’s cricket scene.
Sciver-Brunt’s remarkable performance in Women’s ODIs since her 2013 debut places her among the top scorers, with a significant portion of her runs coming in 2022, highlighted by her exceptional performance in the World Cup. Her subsequent appointment as captain for England’s Commonwealth Games campaign and her success in The Hundred underscore her prowess. However, her decision to step back from the ODI and T20I series against India raised questions.
“The moment when I felt like I couldn’t perform, couldn’t be in the team environment anymore, I just took myself out of it and went home. I didn’t have to think about getting my kit back on to go training. Trying to perform in front of the crowd. I did everything else to take myself away from the sport and really reflect on how it made me feel. I didn’t find a method or anything like that but doing all that allowed me to reflect a bit more.” Said Nat Sciver.
Despite her impactful performances, Sciver-Brunt’s inability to recharge between matches and her experience of being constantly on edge took a toll. This resonated with fellow athletes like Australia’s Meg Lanning and England’s Ben Stokes, who both recognized the strain of juggling multiple formats. Even Virat Kohli shared a similar sentiment, acknowledging the need for players to take breaks. Collectively, these instances highlight the necessity for cricketers to pause and prioritize their well-being in the face of a demanding schedule.
But starting her cricket journey in a time when women’s cricket had limited attention, Sciver-Brunt finds the spotlight uncomfortable despite witnessing the remarkable surge in women’s sports popularity in England over the years. The growth in viewership and engagement, exemplified by the record-breaking attendance of 110,000 spectators and 5.3 million viewers during the recent Women’s Ashes, highlights the sport’s ability to captivate audiences. The event also marked a significant moment as Australia Women, reigning champions in T20, ODI, and Commonwealth formats, faced their first 50-overs bilateral loss since 2013.
“I think that’s the template we want to play in. The way this series was marketed! The way that it was so competitive. The way that so many people came to watch us. I would love it if that’s how every series went.” She Said.
(Quotes sourced from indianexpress.com)