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On the latest episode of For the Love of Cricket podcast, Jos Buttler, Stuart Broad and Ebony Rainford-Brent recently delved into the ongoing conversation about the best players in women’s cricket.
The discussion revolved around the modern-day giants, including Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry, Sarah Taylor and emerging talents like Annabel Sutherland. The players were analyzed not just for their cricketing skills but also for their leadership qualities and influence in shaping the game. Broad raised the question about whether Lanning could be considered the best female cricketer of all time, and the conversation that followed offered rich insights into what makes a player truly great.
Meg Lanning: The best in the modern era?
Broad initiated the discussion by asking Ebony whether Meg Lanning could be considered the best female cricketer of all time. Ebony responded with a clear endorsement, noting that Lanning’s consistency and success across multiple formats set her apart.
“I think Meg Lanning is just up there with the greatest players. She’s led a side that dominated and still dominates world cricket. What stands out is not just her batting but also her ability to continuously adapt and lead her team to victor,” Ebony said.
Ebony emphasized Lanning’s intelligent and calculated approach to batting, noting how she gives herself the space to settle before accelerating. In The Hundred, Lanning’s success has come from a smart tactical approach where she doesn’t rush her innings, taking time to assess the pitch and conditions.
“What I like actually… I’ve noticed this with a couple of players this year, they’re prepared to give themselves four or five balls before they go large. I saw Meg Lanning do this in both her top-scoring innings. She’s giving herself a bit of time to assess the competition and then taking control of the game,” Ebony explained.
Elise Perry: The all-rounder who revolutionized women’s cricket
As the conversation progressed, Broad brought up Perry, praising her as an all-rounder who has had an immense impact on women’s cricket. He was particularly impressed by Perry’s dual contributions in both cricket and football, calling her an ‘incredible sportswoman’ for excelling in two professional sports.
“Elise Perry for me, I I like watching her that genuine all round ability. Uh been consistent for a long time. Incredible sports person, not just in cricket as well. Did she play in the World Cup football as well for Australia? I think um which is incredibly impressive,” Broad said.
However, Ebony leaned towards Lanning for her leadership and the way she has dominated the game in all formats. While Perry’s career is remarkable, Ebony believes Lanning’s influence on the game, especially as a leader, puts her ahead in the race for the GOAT title. Broad also highlighted young talents like Sutherland, praising her graceful bowling action and her potential to become a future star in women’s cricket.
“Annabelle Sutherland… she’s got a huge amount of ability to be up there with the star names,” Broad said, noting that her performances for the Superchargers are catching the eye of cricket experts. Despite her promising future, Broad shared a personal soft spot for Nat Sciver-Brunt, whom he admires for her unique striking ability. “I sort of lean towards Nat Silver Brunt. I’ve got a real soft spot for her in the sense that she’s she’s homegrown. She’s English. She you want England players to do well. She strikes the ball really differently actually,” Broad said.
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Sarah Taylor: The trailblazer in wicketkeeping
Buttler, known for his deep understanding of the game, introduced Taylor into the GOAT conversation. Buttler pointed out Taylor’s revolutionary impact on wicketkeeping, highlighting her exceptional skill behind the stumps. He recalled one particular moment where Taylor made a one-handed catch off a reverse sweep, a moment that still resonates in the minds of cricket fans.
He went on to describe how Taylor, with her innovation and brilliance behind the stumps, played a pivotal role in setting new standards for wicketkeeping in women’s cricket. Buttler’s admiration for Taylor’s skill and leadership made it clear that she, too, is a contender for the GOAT title in women’s cricket.
“I’m going to throw in Sarah Taylor. She’s here with the us with the originals and as a wicket keeper. Um I just thought, you know, she really changed the game, the standard of her wicket keeping. She probably still taken the most remarkable catch you ever seen, like a full-blooded reverse sweep that she just dived and took one-handed from uh stood up to the stump. So I’ve I’ve loved working with her here. So uh and I thought she was a bit of a trailblazer. Um so I’m just going to going to put her in the conversation as well,” Buttler said.
The GOAT debate: Who truly deserves the title?
The conversation shifted towards leadership, with both Broad and Ebony agreeing that leadership is a crucial factor in defining greatness. Lanning’s ability to lead Australia to multiple World Cup victories, both as a captain and as a consistent performer with the bat, was praised as one of her defining qualities.
“I always lean on someone who created an impact, not just in the way they played but also in setting the tone for everybody else,” said Ebony. Lanning’s leadership style, coupled with her match-winning performances, has had a profound influence on Australian cricket, further solidifying her place in the GOAT conversation.
Meanwhile Broad hilariously concluded by picking Perry as the ultimate GOAT. “Well, we’ve made no decision on the goat at all. So, we’ve just uh sat on the fence at all. But because I’ve got the last last word, I’m going to say Elise Perry, well done. You’re the goat of the Love Cricket podcast cuz that’s my opinion,”
