Shabnim Ismail is one of the most experienced players in the South African team and is been around for more than ten years. In her latest interview, Ismail said that the culture change in the dressing room worked well for the South African team.
The current squad consists of players of different age including youngsters like Wolvaardt and veterans like herself.
“Obviously when I started I was very young. I was 17-18 years old. I remember coming into the side at that time and it was very difficult for me,” Ismail was quoted as saying to IOL. “They used to make me do the laundry. They used to bully me, obviously trying to make me scared. It was very difficult.”
“But for the youngsters coming into the side now we have spoken about we need to make them feel comfortable so they can play at their best ability. If we are not making the youngsters feel comfortable, how can we expect them to perform?” said Ismail.
Ismail will be turning 32 soon and she says that if she could maintain her fitness she will be around for at least a good couple of years.
“Although I am turning 32 I still firmly believe I have a good couple of years to play cricket. I believe if you keep fit because not many people see what you do behind the scenes,” she said.
The current topic that had created an outrage is the innovation to the women’s cricket. During a session organized by the ICC, Jemimah Rodrigues and Sophie Devine spoke about innovation and they put front a few ideas that might work out.
While many coaches, players had difference of opinion, Ismail said that she would love to see the rule changes.
“I would definitely love that (the rule changes). It would be great for me as the fastest bowler to have a smaller ball and a shorter pitch. I think I would then definitely be clocking 130km/h every ball that I bowl,” she said.
