Clare Connor says the future is bright for women's cricket
Tuesday 25 July 2017 11:44, UK
Clare Connor is hoping England's thrilling World Cup triumph will act as a springboard for women's cricket for years to come.
As a former national captain herself, she revelled in the moment that Anya Shrubsole's match-winning spell turned India's near certain victory into glory for the hosts.
The director of England women's cricket described the World Cup victory in front of a 27,000 Lord's sell-out crowd on Sunday as "ecstatically overwhelming".
Now she wants to maximise the potential for her sport to excel in this country - and a fourth World Cup trophy presents a golden opportunity to do that.
"I found yesterday ecstatically overwhelming," she said. "I'm normally quite composed, but I found myself welling up on TMS between innings.
"It is very, very special when you have been privileged enough to have played for your country and then see that happening in front of you as special if not more so, than the day we regained the Ashes in 2005," she added.
"It was certainly up there with the best days of my life."
Few can have taken greater pleasure in England's win than Connor - both as a driving-force administrator and a former player, ranking the experience alongside her own most memorable achievement of regaining the Ashes in 2005 after 42 years of Australian supremacy.
But there is no time to rest for the England and Wales Cricket Board, and Connor especially, with the second edition of the Kia Super League coming next month.
With around 100 million people estimated to have watched the final and participation levels on the rise, Connor is optimistic that the future is bright.
All the foundations are there and will be covered by the KSL, the ECB's All Stars programme to nurture participation, women's softball festivals and the Chance to Shine charitable initiative.
Connor continued: "Everyone talks about a watershed and game-changing moment, and this does feel like that.
"We knew it was going to be a huge opportunity," she added. "And of course it's vitally important we make sure this success inspires and connects with talented girls and boys.
"Of course we must enjoy the moment, but we must also make sure we continue to make the most of it as well."
