Lindsay Mariano
Fun fact – did you know Bete-ombro, a Brazilian bat and ball game, is closely related to cricket?
We recently got an opportunity to speak to Lindsay Mariano, Vice-Captain of Brazil Women’s Team. To know how she got interested in the game of cricket, continue reading…
"Here in Brazil, there is a game called bete which is very similar to cricket - all children love to play Bete on the street. I started playing bete and then cricket and really identified myself with cricket."
The first Brazilian women’s cricket team was formed in 2007. Little did they know that their lives were going to change completely when the ICC awarded T20 International status to all participating member countries, later in 2018.
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Furthermore, the Association has played a key role in empowering youth through the game of cricket with the help of its award-winning projects. As the young players progress to become the leaders of these programs, they are presented with ‘black shirts’.
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As of 2020, 14 contracts have been extended to Brazil’s National women players that permits them to train and play cricket full-time.
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The contracted women are exposed to a highly professional setup. They have access to strength and conditioning coaches, sports psychologists and a variety of highly qualified coaches. The main ground at Pocos resembles the iconic Lord’s cricket ground in London; its picturesque setting is something every cricketer dreams of playing in.
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The former Exmouth cricketer, Liam Cook is currently responsible for coaching the team.
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How and why did you start playing cricket?
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Here in Brazil there is a game called Bete which is very similar to cricket - all children love to play Bete on the street. I started playing bete and then cricket and really identified myself with cricket.
What is the structure like for women’s cricket in Brazil?
The first women’s team was set up in 2007. We have contracts. We have a full-time coach and physio too.
What is the next big tournament for Brazil and how are you feeling about it?
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Our next tournament is scheduled for September in the USA. I am very anxious and excited and have a lot of positive thoughts about it.
How is Brazil preparing? ​
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We train 5 days a week for 4 hours a day, plus we go to the gym 4 days a week and we have a jog a week.
What is your cricketing background? How did you start playing cricket?
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I started cricket in 2015. At that time, I was participating in a social project in my neighbourhood and there I started taking cricket lessons 1 time a week.
What else do you do besides play cricket?
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I have a partnership with cricket. I help teach cricket lessons and won a scholarship in college.
What do you love most about playing in a team?
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In my team what I like most is the way in which everyone supports each other, always wanting to evolve together, and helping each other because that is our team spirit – together we are stronger!
Brazil Women's Cricket Team
11.04.2021