Women's Cricket ? South American style
The growth of women’s cricket around the globe will be showcased in February, when Argentina take on Brazil in a women’s friendly.
In the world of football, there are few bigger matches in the international game than the clash of the South American powers of Argentina and Brazil.
Through history the likes of Diego Maradona, Pele, Gabriel Batistuta and Ronaldo have showcased their skills in one of the most eagerly anticipated clashes in world football.
But these two countries will meet in slightly different circumstances next February, when they play each other in an international match in Buenos Aries – this time in women’s cricket.
Catalina Greloni, who works for the Argentinean Cricket Association, and is a key member of the women’s side, having previously played women’s hockey to a high standard, is a passionate advocate of the game in South America.
“I am a member of Belgrano Athletic Club, and thanks to the Development Program, Mark Nota, a Dutch overseas coach, came to our club to teach us how to play this amazing sport. Since then I never stopped playing. At first, there were no girl’s teams so I used to train and play with boys,” said Greloni.
“Now I am proud to be the captain of the National Squad and also working for women’s development in Argentina as well as an administration position in the Association.”
Erika Reinehr, who plays for Brazil, having previously represented her country at slalom and canoe polo, was introduced to the sport thanks to net sessions run at the Australian Embassy and she has been in love with the game ever since.
“I was invited by a friend to go to a cricket practice, but my friend was too busy and she didn’t end up attending,” said Reinehr.
“I then got invited by another friend to go along to the Australian Embassy, where there were some nets, and I really enjoyed it. I then invited other friends to come along and my twin sister started playing at the same time as me.”
Greloni believes there is growing interest in South America in the sport and the match between Argentina and Brazil on 1 February in Buenos Aries follows on from a three-match international series between the sides last year.
“Last year was a great year for Argentina as the men’s national squad finished second in Darwin, Australia in the World Cricket League and qualified for Namibia, for the World Cricket League Division Two. Next year we are hosting ICC World Cricket League Division 3,” said Greloni.
“All these tournaments make people in Argentina more and more interested in the game and in being part of the cricket community. I think that cricket is growing very much in this country, especially in both women and juniors in schools and clubs, where there are plenty of opportunities within the sport.”
While the match between Argentina and Brazil comes a month before the ICC Women’s World Cup, players from both sides have dreams that one day they will play in the biggest tournament in women’s cricket.
“That would be awesome (to qualify for the ICC Women’s World Cup)! I am sure that the Flamingos (Women’s National Squad), are ready and keen to work hard to raise the standard of our game and why not dream of playing a World Cup,” said Greloni.
And Reinehr is keen to be part of an ICC Women’s World Cup as well. She said: “Of course I dream of playing in the World Cup. I know that we need to improve to be competitive and that we need more teams and players in Brazil. I just hope that it happens fast so I can be part of cricket history and be part of the first Brazilian team to play at the ICC Women’s World Cup.”