Women's Cricket: From Its Origins to Global Recognition
A complete guide to the history of women's cricket — from the first women's Test in 1934, through Belinda Clark's era, to Ellyse Perry and Smriti Mandhana, and the explosion of interest in the women's game.
Women's cricket has a history stretching back to 1745, when the first recorded women's match was played in England. But it has only in the last two decades achieved genuine global recognition, widespread broadcasting, and professional contracts for players. The ICC Women's T20 World Cup, The Hundred's women's competition, and the Women's Big Bash League have transformed women's cricket into a sport with genuine commercial viability.
The First Women's Test and Early History
The first women's Test match was played between England and Australia in Brisbane in December 1934. England won by nine wickets. The Women's Cricket Association in England was founded in 1926 and organised the first Women's World Cup in 1973 — two years before the men's equivalent. Australia have been the dominant force in women's cricket for much of the past three decades, winning seven Women's World Cups.
Belinda Clark — Pioneer of Modern Women's Cricket
Belinda Clark captained Australia from 1994 to 2005 and is widely regarded as the pioneer of the modern women's game. She scored 919 runs in the 1997 Women's World Cup, including the first ever double century in women's ODIs — 229* not out. She led Australia to multiple World Cup victories and was the face of the women's game as it began to gain wider recognition.
Ellyse Perry — The Modern Era's Greatest
Ellyse Perry is the outstanding women's cricketer of the modern era. She has scored over 1,300 Test runs at an average of 51 and taken 115 Test wickets — the most wickets by any player in women's Test history. Perry also holds the record for the highest score in women's Ashes Tests. She was the first Australian to represent their country in both cricket and football World Cups.
The Smriti Mandhana Era and India's Rise
India's women's cricket team has emerged as a global powerhouse in recent years. Smriti Mandhana is India's most celebrated women's cricketer — a left-handed opener consistently ranked among the world's best. India's 2017 Women's World Cup run to the final (defeated by England in a close match) and their T20I success brought millions of new fans to women's cricket in India, transforming the domestic cricket economy for women players.
Frequently asked questions
When did women's cricket start?
The first recorded women's cricket match was played in England in 1745. The first women's Test match was played in 1934 between England and Australia.
Who has won the most Women's Cricket World Cups?
Australia have won seven Women's ODI World Cups, making them the most successful team in women's cricket World Cup history.
Who is considered the greatest women's cricketer of all time?
Ellyse Perry of Australia is widely regarded as the greatest women's cricketer of the modern era, having scored over 1,300 Test runs and taken 115 Test wickets — the most in women's Test history.