Marizanne Kapp advocates for more women's Test cricket matches
What's the story
South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp has called for an increase in women's Test cricket matches.
The 35-year-old, who made her international red-ball debut in 2014 and scored a remarkable 150 against England in 2022, and has only participated in four Tests so far.
Since 2010, women's cricket has seen only 19 Test series, with nine being between England and Australia, and most of them being one-off matches.
"It's about getting as much international women's cricket as possible", Kapp told Reuters.
Skill development
Kapp emphasizes importance of longer format
Kapp feels the longer format of the game demands more skill.
She said, "It can only help the women's game and how players grow as well because you learn so much about yourself and your skill and your game when you play the longest format."
"It doesn't matter the format. The more games and teams you get to play, the stronger it will get and the better everyone will get," she further stressed on the fact of having more matches.
League impact
Kapp's perspective on franchise leagues
Kapp is currently part of the Delhi Capitals in the Women's Premier League (WPL), who bought her for rupees 1.5 crore in the inaugural auction in 2023.
She has also played in other global T20 leagues like the Big Bash League (BBL) and Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
"I know a lot of times we complain and say all these leagues are not good, but I feel it's so good for the women's game," Kapp said.
Preparation
Kapp highlights benefits of WPL for players
Kapp feels the quality of the WPL has improved and gives players important experience before big tournaments such as the upcoming ODI World Cup in India.
She said, "Playing in these conditions is a massive help... I think if you can have as many as possible of your players playing in these conditions that will only help your team."
This highlights her faith in competitive leagues for player development.
Test stats
A look at the all-rounder's Test stats
As mentioned, Kapp has featured in four Tests for South Africa.
In these matches, she has managed 395 runs at an average of 56.42.
Across eight innings, she has smashed one hundred and two fifties. Her highest Test score so far is 150, which she hammered against England back in 2022.
According to ESPNcricinfo, 317 of her runs have come in away matches. With the ball she has picked up one wicket in four innings.
WPL numbers
Current season and overall WPL numbers
In the ongoing WPL season, she has scored 59 runs in six matches at 29.50 (SR: 125.53).
With the ball, she has six wickets from six innings at 21, her best figures are worth 2/17.
Overall, she has smashed 315 runs in 22 games at 31.50 while striking at 125.
With the ball, she has picked up 26 scalps at an average of 19.53, including bowling five maidens.