History-maker Taylor hopes for a good India outing

She became the first female player to feature in an Australian men’s grade cricket tournament six months back. The wicketkeeper-batswoman was selected as a wicketkeeper for Northern Districts against Port Adelaide in the South Australia Cricket Association competition.

The Australian sojourn gave her a long-lasting experience and good memories. “I didn’t play as many games as I would have loved to. The learning was immense. My legs have become stronger. I learnt how to deal with the pace and bounce and it was one of the best decisions I had taken. It gave me a chance to test myself and my abilities,” Taylor told DTNext. 

Taylor went to Australia with limited expectations and the results were phenomenal. “I think I had put too much pressure on myself. I feel lucky enough to make the cut. I was prepared for long days (100 overs in a day) and I learnt to focus on my game,” the 26-year-old said. 

Though she had heard about the rivalry between Australia and England, Taylor did not encounter any hostility. “The guys were very protective. They defended me at all times. There was a time initially when someone cracked a bad joke and I gave it back. I was even asked if I needed a separate changing room, which I refused,” the wicketkeeper said. 

Taylor said losing the World Cup twice at the final hurdle has made the team stronger and determined to win. “It was depressing. We are a better side now with new coaches and a new approach. We have worked on our tactics and will be adopting a new approach. 

The preparation isn’t too different, just that the experiences have made us wiser now,” she added. The 26-year-old said women’s cricket has improved by leaps and bounds over the past few years. “The growth has undoubtedly been due to the fact that we play alongside the men. The game has seen huge improvements in terms of sponsors, crowds, publicity. 

This was one of the best things in promoting the game,” Taylor said. While the game has seen improvements, the women still are way behind their opposites when it comes to a fat wallet. However, Taylor feels the women have come a long way. “There is a huge difference in what we were 10 years ago and what we earn now. 

The game is growing and we are happy where we are now,” she added. According to Taylor, the women get the best of facilities, like the men and expressed happiness over it. “They (facilities) are phenomenal. We cannot ask anything more than these,” she said. 

After teammates Danielle Wyatt and Katherine Brunt tweeted to Indian vice-captain Virat Kohli, Taylor was also involved in a twitter banter. She was tweeting to all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja after the World T20 in 2014. Taylor said she was replying to direct messages from Jadeja. 

“As Jadeja wasn’t following me, I had to tweet the replies for his direct messages. We bumped into each other after the semi-final in 2014 (World T20) and he wished me tough luck after our loss,” Taylor added.

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