Australian Women’s Cricket Team faces criticism after setting up a new world record

On Sunday, the Australian Women’s Cricket Team achieved a new world record, extending their ODI winning streak to 22 with victory over New Zealand.

The six-wicket victory took them past Ricky Ponting’s 2003 men’s team’s previous record of 21. But, amongst the celebration, has also been negativity. Some speculators insist men’s and women’s records should be kept separate because of what they see as a difference in the level of standard.

Former Australian player Jo Broadbent was part of the national women’s side that set the record that preceded the Ponting team’s, winning 17-straight ODIs in 1997-1999.  They also went on a 16-game streak from 1999-2000. Broadbent previously coached the NSW Breakers and Sydney Thunder before moving to New Zealand to coach Northern Districts in the domestic women’s league. She has also been working as an expert on the TV broadcast for the current trans-Tasman series.

Fight for recognition continues

Success has become the biggest factor when it comes to women’s sport grabbing media attention — and for those athletes receiving validation of their ability.

Throughout their record run — and in the years prior — the current crop of Australian women’s players have helped shift outdated perceptions that surround women’s cricket. However, the response to their latest record highlights how many hurdles women in sport face in order to prove themselves as serious athletes.