Australia's Claire Polosak is gearing up to create history! She will soon to become the first woman umpire ever to officiate a men's ODI. Today, she will take the field over at the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 and officiate in a men’s one-day international when Namibia will face off Oman in the final, Reuters reported.
The 31-year-old has previously officiated in 15 women's ODIs, the first one being in November 2016 between Australia and South Africa.
Her best achievements came from ICC events, standing in the semifinal of the Women's T20 World Cup 2018 between England and India and four matches at the Women's World Cup 2017
Polasak creates history
Reacting to the news, an elated Polasak said, "I am thrilled to be the first woman to stand in a men's ODI and how far I have come as an umpire. It really is important to promote women umpires and there's no reason why females can't umpire in cricket. It's about breaking down barriers, creating awareness so more females can come into the role," when the International Cricket Council (ICC) caught up with her ahead of Saturday’s match.
Polasak herself has never played cricket, but went for a trail in 2017.
In the process, she became the first woman to stand in a men’s top-level match when New South Wales played a Cricket Australia XI in a one-day match in Sydney.
“It really is important to promote women umpires and there’s no reason why females can’t umpire in cricket. It’s about breaking down barriers, creating awareness so more females can come into the role,” she further added.
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More achievements
Polasak has had many firsts added to her name. In December last year, with her South Australian counterpart Eloise Sheridan, she earned the feat of becoming the first female umpires to officiate on-field together during a professional match in Australia. It was a match between the Adelaide Strikers and the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL.
It really is important to promote women umpires and there's no reason why females can't umpire in cricket. It's about breaking down barriers, creating awareness so more females can come into the role. - Claire Polosak
"Umpiring is a team effort. I would like to thank all the umpires I have worked with, my local umpires association- NSW Cricket Umpires' and Scorers' Association and Cricket Australia, as well as my family and friends, as without their support, this match today would not be possible," she thanked her well-wishers, News18 reported.
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Wishes pour in
“Congratulations to Claire for this fantastic achievement of becoming the first woman umpire to stand in a men’s one-day international,” said Adrian Griffith, ICC senior manager – umpires and referees.
“It is one thoroughly deserved and a result of her hard work and perseverance. She is a role model for women who want to get into officiating and proves how successful they can be once they are on the right path and get the opportunities,” Griffith praised her work.
Feature Image Credit: ICC
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