CHENNAI: When Kathryn Bryce walked out to bat for Gujarat Giants at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in the Women's Premier League on Sunday, her team was in deep trouble at 58 for four. On her debut in the league, the Scotland captain had a task cut out for her with the likes of Australian international Beth Mooney and Phoebe Litchfield already in the dugout. With South African international Shabnim Ismail at her fiery best, Bryce had to bide her time and wait for her chances.
"Kathryn is such an experienced cricketer and she is so calm under pressure. She just goes about her business and does her job in whatever situation she is in," Sue Strachan, the former president of Cricket Scotland told this daily. "She is so used to playing crucial games and performing in those games. That is why this was business as usual for Kathryn and she seems to be able to block out the surroundings and just do her job. I'm so delighted for her because she has worked so hard to get here," one could feel how proud Strachan is of the ICC Women's Associate Cricketer of the Decade.
Bryce took that opportunity to score 25 crucial runs, including a six off West Indies captain Hayley Matthews. With the ball, she provided an early breakthrough with the wicket of Yastika Bhatia and also bowled a maiden over. Even though Mumbai chased the total down with ease, Bryce put out an all-round performance in her first match. While many were impressed by her performance, some were confused by how Gujarat had five international players in the playing XI, when only four are allowed. However, there is a special incentive in the League rulebooks that aided Gujarat's cause — if a team has an Associate player — she could be played as the fifth overseas player in the XI.
In the first season, Tara Norris, the USA international represented Delhi Capitals in five fixtures. However, the left-arm medium-pacer could not find a place in the Capitals squad as she was not retained by the franchise. Now, Bryce is the only representation of 96 Associate Members of ICC in the WPL as she found a place in Mooney-led Gujarat for Rs 10 lakhs. Former UAE captain Chaya Mughal underlined how vital these opportunities are for the players from the Associate nations as they get to see Bryce in the WPL.
"It's a great confidence booster and holds great value for players representing associate nations. It shows a remarkable chance for quality associate players to participate in such a prestigious league," Mughal told this daily. "Additionally, earning a spot in the playing XI is an accomplishment in itself. Demonstrating proficiency as a versatile batter capable of handling the new ball, she also secured an early wicket, which is commendable. As a player hailing from an associate nation, I take immense pride and excitement in witnessing more players of similar caliber in action," Mughal's thoughts speak volumes.
"To see Kathryn up there is to see that young Scottish women can be there. They can aspire to it themselves. It's not just for Scotland, it's for all the associate nation cricketers. She's an icon for all of those girls. For all of the young cricketers coming through associate nations, there might be that opportunity for them. So it's an incredible moment for all of us," Strachan echoed Mughal's sentiments.
Brazil's captain and someone who has competed against Bryce in the FairBreak invitational tournament, Roberta Moretti Avery, put into perspective what the opportunity means for the players from the Associate nations. "I believe the franchise leagues are a great window to show talents of the women's cricket for the whole world. So when associate nation players have the opportunity to go over there and show their talent and skills, it broadens the game for everyone."
When you see Kathryn playing beautifully or when you see players from Hong Kong, Brazil and even African countries, it shows how much cricket has grown and how strong it is outside the full member nations. It is super important to have a space for them. And for these players to have opportunity to show how good cricket is worldwide." It might be a small step from the franchise league point of view, but it is definately a leap for the players. And if more players get the opportunity, better it is for the women's game.
With the Scotland team currently in the training camp for the Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, Strachan believes watching Bryce in the WPL will motivate the players. The task is hard as the senior team has never qualified for the T20 World Cup. However, she believes Bryce's experience at the WPL could be vital for her national side leading into the qualifier.
"Kathryn is an intelligent cricketer and she will be gaining so much experience but also knowledge from these high-profile cricketers that she will bring back to the Scotland team. She is generous with her knowledge. So she will share that as she always has done with the younger players in the team. That can only make us stronger and more resilient in these qualifiers."
Bryce was impressive on her debut and she has the chance to make her mark in the WPL. Who knows, that could potentially open a few more doors for players from Associate nations.