by Emma Hartfield
Thursday, 20 December, 2001

Most women's clubs had already opted for trousers when the England kit officially changed and the team abandoned their skirts in 1997. However, a few traditionalists have made the change much more recently.

"Last season was the first time the Varsity match was played in trousers," says Cambridge player Rachel Cowans. Cambridge University WCC has now decided to make trousers the permanent uniform, but the demise of this Oxbridge tradition has had its pitfalls.

"We have had numerous problems with the size of kit as it is often made for men," claims Cowans. "All of the trousers had to be taken up a good few inches".

"Skirts can look smart," says England cricketer Charlotte Edwards, "but they don't look so good when you're bending over to bat and the square-leg umpire gets an eyeful!"

Edwards has played for England in both kits but prefers the trouser option: "I think that trousers were chosen mainly for comfort. But there are also practical reasons - for instance if you're on tour somewhere like India then you can pick up infections if you fall over and graze yourself because you're not wearing trousers."

One of the few clubs still sticking with skirts is Gunnersbury. However, those days could also be numbered as a review of the situation is due before next season. Captain Keely Juster says the vote will be a close one.

"There are still a lot of people in favour of keeping skirts. We had a review before last season and stayed with them then because we had a lot of older players who were used to them. Now there are more younger girls coming through who are likely to prefer trousers."

Juster continues: "I've never played in trousers so I can't say which I prefer. I would think that they protect your legs when diving in the field, but cricket trousers are also designed for men so are unlikely to be flattering. The main benefit of skirts, apart from tradition, is that they are cooler in summer. Perhaps we could have both options - trousers for cold weather and skirts if it's sunny."

However, Cambridge University's female players have no such reservations about a change. "I think that trousers are far more comfortable," says Cowans. "You get fewer grazes or burns and the pad straps can't rub. I would say this is the general view of the team, and we will be wearing trousers in the future."

There may well be a few male fans disappointed with the demise of the skirt, but, as Charlotte Edwards says, "I think we're taken more seriously in trousers."

Emma Hartfield is a freelance writer.

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