January 2, 2024

Nasser Hussain Shares Insights on the Future of Women’s Cricket in 2024

Nasser Hussain Envisions a Promising 2024 for Women’s Cricket

As Australia gears up to defend its ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title in Bangladesh next September, the team sets its sights on maintaining its dominant position in the sport following its triumphant victory in South Africa earlier this year. With Alyssa Healy assuming the role of captain permanently after the distinguished Meg Lanning’s retirement, the squad enters a new era determined to uphold its stellar record.

Despite the significant void left by Lanning’s departure, a captain who led the team to claim five World Cup trophies across both white-ball formats, renowned cricket commentator Nasser Hussain remains confident in Australia’s ability to maintain their status as the benchmark in women’s cricket. Hussain’s unwavering faith in the team’s prowess is a testament to the strength and depth of talent within the Australian side, fueling anticipation for their performance in the 2024 edition of the tournament.

“They have been the greatest cricketing side there has ever been, arguably one of the greatest sporting sides there’s ever been in any sport, but obviously, they’ve had a major change in Meg Lanning,” Hussain began, speaking to Sanjana Ganesan as part of the Coke Believing is Magic series.

“With any great team, there are great leaders. And for me, Meg Lanning was a great leader for that team.

“I’ll be fascinated to see if they can continue their dominance because they’ve certainly got the players. I think they’ll go from strength to strength.”

Healy has vowed to make her mark as a “different style of leader” than her predecessor. Hussain feels the wicketkeeper and opening batter can flourish if she sticks to the aggressive style that has brought success to the team as a senior player.

“I think it’s exactly what she needs right now in her career,” Hussain said of Healy taking on the reins.

“I think it will be a great move for her and Australia. Right at the top of the order, she’s been brilliant for Australia.

“I think it’ll give her a bit of a boost and kick-starter in 2024.”

Even with the seasoned Alyssa Healy assuming the captaincy role, the void Meg Lanning left is significant, particularly in the batting department. Lanning’s illustrious international career saw her amass more than 8,000 runs, leaving big shoes to fill for her teammates.

Nasser Hussain has singled out Ash Gardner as one of the players expected to step up and play a more prominent role, particularly in the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh. Gardner’s strong all-round abilities, both with bat and ball, make her well-suited to the conditions in Bangladesh, as per Hussain’s analysis. With the opportunity to shine on a grand stage, Gardner could prove instrumental in Australia’s quest to retain their title and maintain their dominance in women’s cricket.

“I think Ashleigh Gardner with bat, ball and in the field is a fabulous talent, and she will be around for years to come,” Hussain noted.

“2024 could be a defining year for her. Multi-dimensional, multi-format cricketer. She’ll have a blinding 2024.

“Sometimes when those pitches are tired in the sub-continent and Bangladesh they start gripping, it’s difficult for your touch players.

“You may need a bit of power, and Ash Gardner definitely has that power.

“Her off-spinning is just, especially around the wicket, she’s magnificent.”

While Australia remains the team to beat, renowned cricket commentator Nasser Hussain identifies England as a potential challenger to dethrone the reigning champions. Despite England’s inability to win the Women’s Ashes earlier this year, their impressive performances in the white-ball formats cannot be overlooked.

Although Australia dominated the solitary Test match, which carried four points in the multi-format series, England bounced back strongly with 2-1 victories in both the ODI and T20I series. The resulting 8-8 deadlock demonstrates England’s resilience and ability to challenge Australia’s supremacy, marking them as a genuine threat in Bangladesh’s upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. With the tournament set to provide a platform for the best women’s cricket teams to compete, it remains to be seen if England can build on their recent form and go one step further to claim the coveted title.

With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, Hussain has set his sights on England’s talented roster to challenge Australia’s dominance in the tournament. As critical players gear up to showcase their skills on the international stage, the forthcoming event could serve as a platform for England to make a compelling case for the title while aiming to dethrone the reigning champions, Australia.

“England with their three spinners of Sarah Glenn, Charlie Dean and Sophie Ecclestone, I think in those conditions in Bangladesh, and obviously just (playing) in India at the moment … that’ll be great preparation,” Hussain said.

“I’m going to go for an Australia-England final (in Bangladesh).”

Following a notable return to the international stage on England’s tour of India, Ecclestone has demonstrated resilience and commitment to her recovery from a dislocated right shoulder sustained in domestic play last September. Recognizing her significance within the team, Hussain emphasizes Ecclestone’s crucial role as a critical spinner and valuable lower-order batter, particularly when conditions align in her favor.

“With the cricket that England have coming up and that T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, I think Sophie Ecclestone is pivotal,” Hussain noted.

“Ecclestone is world class, almost an all-rounder the way she’s batting as well.”

As England sets its sights on ending Australia’s enduring reign, Hussain highlights the significance of the team’s batting lineup in this ambitious pursuit. With a focus on fostering a new generation of talent, he anticipates the leadership of 2022 ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year Nat Sciver-Brunt in spearheading England’s charge. Furthermore, Hussain expects the emergence of promising young players, eager to leave their mark on the international stage, to play a crucial role in supporting Sciver-Brunt and ultimately challenging Australia’s long standing dominance.

“I think she is just world class at the moment,” Hussain exclaimed in regards to Sciver-Brunt.

“(She is) highly skilled, highly dynamic, but can play in different ways as well. She can soak up pressure in any format, multi-format player.

“I’d also like to see Alice Capsey have a really good year. I think she’s a phenomenal talent.

“She burst on the scene a couple of years ago, as a 15 or 16-year-old getting runs in The Hundred at Lord’s. The original sort of girl from nowhere story coming on, bursting on the scene, had a brilliant year.

“She’s had a couple of injuries, and her form just slipped back a little bit, but I think Alice Capsey is the (emerging player) I would choose from the younger England brigade.”

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