The female versions of traditionally male sports are "attracting far more attention than ever before," according to Matthew Engel of the FINANCIAL TIMES. The Women's World Cup in Canada had global appeal; last year's women's Rugby World Cup was "also higher profile than ever before." Every week it seems "some new layer of glass gets smashed as the lift heads upwards." Is the upward momentum "unstoppable?" Perhaps: until it "reaches the point when it starts hitting some uncomfortable biological facts that are less frangible." And cricket "may help pinpoint where that limit might lie." Women's cricket has "come a long way, baby." Until "quite recently, it was played decorously in skirts." Now the women's and men's kits are "outwardly identical." For technique and athleticism it "scored very highly." The England & Wales Cricket Board, whose overall record is "another story, has nurtured the women's game superbly." The top players are "now professionals and, though unlikely to get rich, can devote their time to honing their skills" (FT, 8/30).
