Jhulan Goswami Explains The Reason Behind Lack Of Test Matches In Women's Cricket

At a time when the ICC and its members are taking several measures for the betterment of women’s cricket, the lack of Test matches for the women’s teams has really baffled many. The success of recent ICC tournaments have shown that the world is ready to embrace women’s game.

Women’s T20 World Cup held earlier this year in Australia was a massive hit. A record crowd attended the final between the hosts and India at the MCG. The tournament was also a big hit on digital platforms. The tournament is now the most-watched ICC women’s event ever and the second most successful ICC event after the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019.

But amidst all these, women’s Test games have taken the back seat. And India women’s cricket team superstar Jhulan Goswami recently explained the reason behind it. While saying that she considers Tests to be the pinnacle of the sport, Jhulan Goswami revealed that some cricketing nations are unwilling to consider the possibility of playing more Test cricket.

“Unfortunately, some of the other countries are not interested in playing the longest version of the game, and that’s why women’s Test matches have reduced. But still, Australia and England are playing one Ashes a year,” Jhulan Goswami told Sportskeeda.

“Till 2014, we didn’t play any. As a cricketer, we love to play Test matches as they are a different experience, and always give you a lot of challenges,” she added.

Indian team has not played any Test since 2014 when they thrashed South Africa by an innings and 34 runs in Mysore. In fact, since 2014, there have only three Tests in women’s cricket with Australia and England playing all of them.

Jhulan Goswami further added that she has really enjoyed playing Test cricket because of its unpredictable and demanding nature.

“If you ask me which format I would like to play, I’d say Test match cricket. Unfortunately, we haven’t played much but whenever we play, I’ve really enjoyed. Mental toughness and patience are required. Every session, the game is changing and it’s very unpredictable,” she said.

The all-time leading wicket-taker in women’s ODIs, Jhulan Goswami has so far played 10 Tests, picking up 40 wickets at an excellent average of 16.62. In ODIs, she has picked up 225 wickets in 182 games.

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