Steve Waugh backs women to compete along men in Big Bash

Sydney: Former Test captain Steve Waugh has said it`s time to consider adding one female player to each Big Bash League T20 team`s roster based on the success and ability of Australia`s elite women`s cricketers.

Waugh admitted the idea might seem to some as out there, but he suggested allowing for the likes of Alex Blackwell , who was presented with the Belinda Clark Medal as the state`s best female cricketer on Thursday, fast bowler Ellyse Perry and wicket keeper Alyssa Healy, to match it with the men in the modified version of the game. Waugh said he thinks it`s about time where they could have one female player per Big Bash side, adding it’s a bit out there, that thought, but he thinks it might be time. Blackwell, later described Waugh`s view as wonderful because it proved women`s cricket had earned respect. The NSW skipper, ranked among the world`s best players, said there was no doubt Australia`s top female cricketers would welcome the challenge to play in the Big Bash League. ANI