On Sunday (December 23), the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) will achieve a new milestone during the game between Adelaide Strikers Women and Melbourne Renegades Women at Adelaide. Claire Polosak and Eloise Sheridan, the two female umpires will play the role of the on-field umpire during that game.
Polosak was the first female to play the on-field umpire role in the Australian men’s domestic season during 2017/18. She also involved as the on-field umpire during the 50-over warm-up game between Cricket Australia XI and England at Sydney on 11 January 2018. Recently, she also played the on-field umpire role during the 2018 ICC Women’s World T20 in West Indies, including in the second semi-final of the tournament between India and England. In that tournament, she became the first ever female on-field umpire in any ICC tournaments.
On the other hand, Sheridan was the first woman on-field umpire in men’s first-grade match in Australia and men’s first-grade Premier Cricket final in Australia.
Talking about this special achievement, Cricket Australia (CA) CEO Kevin Roberts said according to cricket.com.au, “Claire and Eloise have established themselves as two of Australia’s leading female umpires and it’s fantastic to see all their hard work continue to pay off. This is another great step forward for cricket, where we’re continuing to strive towards our aspiration of being Australia’s leading sport for women and girls.
“On behalf of everyone in Australian Cricket, we wish them the very best for this match and look forward to seeing them on the field.”
Polosak feels excited to achieve another historic moment in her career and this time she will have a partner Eloise Sheridan. Talking about her upcoming achievement, Polosak hopes it will create more awareness for females about the umpiring.
Polosak said according to CricketNext, “It’s fantastic for the sport and hopefully it creates more awareness for females who are thinking about umpiring, that the opportunities are there for them to take.”
Also, excited Sheridan has the same voice before they are going to begin the new era of Australian women’s umpiring.
