Current need: Test-playing countries may contribute to extending the women’s longest format

The last time the ladies of New Zealand, Pakistan, and the West Indies played a Test match was in 2004. Prior to their sporadic comeback in the format, which came against India in 2014 and England in June 2022, that year for South Africa was 2007. In 2000, Ireland participated in their first-ever Test match. Among the complete members, only Zimbabwe and Bangladesh have ever played a test match. Following the establishment of the Taliban administration, Afghanistan has not had a women’s team.

India is now warming to the notion of playing more Tests than they have in the past, after much deliberation. That leaves England and Australia, two nations that have combined for 89 years and 52 Test matches. This is how women’s cricket really works. Some people have followed the custom and done so. A few are gradually making their way. Some have chosen to accept the invites, while others have dismissed the format as pointless as the endless spam that accumulates in their inboxes.

The trend was established for a long time, particularly in women’s cricket. Australia would find a solution. England trailed behind, but until India got involved, none of it gained any traction. Consider franchise cricket as an example. One of the first efforts to launch a professional league modeled after men’s cricket was the Women’s Big Bash League, which debuted in 2015.

In 2016, England introduced the Women’s Super League as a follow-up. The Hundred was later launched in 2023 by the England and Wales Cricket Board for both men and women. Nevertheless, it wasn’t until BCCI launched the Women’s Premier competition in 2023 that this kind of competition began to get the record-breaking value and broadcasting figures.

India’s participation is thus required if additional Tests in the women’s game are to be anticipated. Lack of funding is one of the valid explanations offered for why women from many cricketing countries do not participate in the red-ball match. These clubs could, nonetheless, switch to the Ashes’ multi-format points system. Although a team cannot afford to host Test matches, they should still play these matches, albeit only when they are touring nations who routinely play the format, such as England, Australia, or India. These clubs will have some opportunities to participate in the format if the early years’ results could be set aside.

Players from all over the globe have played in India, England, and Australia several times because of the franchise leagues and bilateral series in these three nations. One team playing against one of the three regular Test-playing countries is always a possibility. For instance, Australia could host a Test match against Pakistan, or India might play one against New Zealand if the West Indies were to play one in English conditions. Despite never having participated in a Test match, players like Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates, Stafanie Taylor, Nida Dar, Bismah Maroof, and Chamari Athapaththu have dominated white-ball cricket throughout their careers. Not a single player on any of the other teams, except South Africa and the three countries, has ever worn whites.

A test is a luxury for many people. Test series hosting is beyond the means of even men’s teams. It makes sense that the regulatory authorities have likewise resorted to the shortest format in order to broaden the game beyond the ICC’s complete member states. However, since the game is being expanded, at least those who are able to organize a Test without experiencing financial hardship may do so. It wouldn’t be novel either. Australia and Pakistan have played men’s Test cricket matches in England in the past. India aided Afghanistan in hosting a few of Test matches between Ireland and the West Indies. Not even assisting two other entities in playing a test, in this case. The host team is always one of the participating teams.

Playing Test cricket is an absolute thrill. Ellyse Perry from this year’s Ashes or Harmanpreet Kaur from the most recent match against England are examples of that with a smile. That happiness shouldn’t be reserved for a select group of people. For many giants of the women’s game, playing a Test might become a reality if those with the financial means to make it happen for others take it seriously. It will take time to determine whether they will.