Annabel Sutherland, who recently won the Belinda Clark Award, has argued for more women’s games at major stadiums, pointing to the all-conquering Australian team’s record-breaking attendance at the recent Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as evidence that they should be able to compete on the biggest stages.

After smashing the first women’s century in an Ashes Test last weekend, the 23-year-old all-rounder received the highest individual award in Australian women’s cricket, capping an incredible year. A unprecedented Test double century and a pivotal part in Australia’s resounding 16-0 Ashes victory over England—the first whitewash in almost a decade—were among her outstanding efforts during the last 12 months.

Sutherland expressed optimism that further women’s matches will be held in storied locations like the MCG and SCG as a result of the MCG Test’s success. “Hopefully, the game at the MCG sparks a bit of change and we can launch off what was a really great event,” Sutherland said, according to news.com.au.

With 23,561 spectators in only two days and 11,804 more on the third day to see Australia’s crushing triumph, the MCG Test broke attendance records for women’s cricket. Since the 2020 T20 World Cup final, when an incredible 86,000 people witnessed the team win the trophy, this was Australia’s first game at the MCG. The Australian women’s team hasn’t played an ODI at the location since 2014, however, in spite of considerable support.

Some commentators have referred to the Australian women’s cricket team as “Australia’s best sporting team ever” because to their consistent domination, which makes them even more worthy of frequent appearances at prestigious locations. “Just the chance to perform in the large stadium. Sutherland underlined, “The support from Australian fans shows people want to see us play some really good cricket.” “We deserve to be in the big stadiums around the country.”

Despite the ongoing argument about who is “Australia’s best-ever sporting team,” Sutherland and her colleagues are not getting ahead of themselves. “Success over a long period of time is a bit of a sign of that,” she said. However, teams constantly attack you, and we were eliminated in a (T20) World Cup semifinal not too long ago. You must be vigilant.

She attributed Australia’s superiority to their philosophy of continuous development. We avoid being sucked into it, which is what makes this group so great. We never stop going forward, striving to be the best versions of ourselves and, when we can, contribute to the team.

Following in the footsteps of Meg Lanning, who received the Belinda Clark Award at the ages of 21 and 22, Sutherland is one of the youngest-ever recipients of the award, having already recorded more international hundreds than Australian great Ellyse Perry at the age of only 23.

Sutherland, meanwhile, views individual honors as only stepping stones in the process. Improvement is still her only goal, and she is keen to keep improving. “I am always trying to find ways to improve,” she said. “As an all-around player, you are never the final product. Without a doubt, I’ve progressed, and I’m eager to keep improving.”