Seamer Phoebe Graham encourages supporters to avoid lazy comparisons between the women's and men's matches in The Hundred ahead of the start of the Northern Superchargers' campaign as the team enters final preparations ahead of its opening double-header against Welsh Fire on Saturday
Saturday 24 July 2021 22:16, UK
Northern Superchargers' seamer Phoebe Graham urges fans to see the beauty in both the women's and men's game in The Hundred, explains why speed and power aren't necessarily the biggest dictators of success and offers some tips on what to watch out for in the women's game…
What a summer lies ahead as a Supercharger!
I'm surrounded by cricketing legends: Jemimah Rodrigues, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Ben Stokes and Adil Rashid among them.
This is truly a summer to soak it all in, learn from the best and enjoy every moment.
I never imagined a summer where I'd be playing at: Headingley, Lord's, Trent Bridge, Old Trafford and the Ageas Bowl. It's awesome, particularly when you consider that only a few years ago we lacked facilities, kit and coaches!
I've played both men's and women's cricket and people often ask me: 'What do you bowl?'
The answer is: 'Medium in Men's. Fast in Women's'. There's no huge difference; if you hit your areas, people can't get you away. But speed and power naturally change the way the women's game is perceived.
We tend to associate speed and power as the biggest dictators of success.
Currently I'm hitting speeds of 70mph+. Put in context against some of the world's fastest bowlers, Shabnim Ismail is clocking 75mph and Lockie Ferguson is up at 95mph.
This doesn't make women's fast bowlers lesser or men's fast bowlers better. Ergonomically we are very different. Therefore, it's very different to watch.
I've already found out that The Hundred isn't all about speed and power. Tactical awareness will give teams the leading edge. I'm thinking about my plans and how to be one step ahead of our opponents.
So, when you're watching the tournament this year, move beyond lazy comparisons of sport. See the beauty in both the women's and men's game because it's going to be quite some show…
Here are a few tips on things to watch out for in women's cricket…
Cricket is a funny sport but the devil is in the detail.
My favourite quote is that 'comparison is the theft of joy'.
Don't expect it to be the same, but do expect it to be entertaining.
The Northern Superchargers will put on some shows, both the men's and women's teams.
Here we go!
Watch Northern Superchargers take on Welsh Fire this Saturday on the Sky Cricket YouTube channel from 2.30pm before live coverage of the men's game gets underway on Sky Sports The Hundred and Sky Sports Mix from 5.30pm.