“Trying to Learn as Much as I Can”: Sarah Bryce on Her Maiden WPL Stint
In 2023, the Women’s Premier League (WPL) marked an exciting chapter in the history of women’s cricket. The tournament not only brought together the best players from India but also attracted some international stars, offering them a platform to showcase their skills on a global stage. One such player was Sarah Bryce, the Scottish wicketkeeper-batter, whose participation in the WPL was a historic moment for both her career and for women’s cricket in Scotland. Bryce’s journey to the WPL is a testament to her determination and growth as a cricketer, and her debut season was filled with learning experiences, challenges, and moments of personal reflection.
In this article, we delve into Bryce’s perspective on her maiden WPL stint, exploring her growth as a cricketer, the insights she gained, and how the experience shaped her outlook on the future of women’s cricket.
SarahA Humble Start in Scotland
Before her WPL debut, Sarah Bryce was already a well-established player in the international circuit, particularly known for her role as a wicketkeeper and top-order batter for Scotland. Her cricketing journey began at a young age, where she quickly rose through the ranks in her home country. Throughout her early years, she was recognized for her solid technique with the bat and sharp reflexes behind the stumps. Her ability to anchor the innings with consistency while providing valuable wicketkeeping services made her an asset for her national team.
Bryce’s experience on the international stage was largely defined by her participation in ICC tournaments and the Women’s World Cup qualifiers, where she faced some of the toughest competition from around the world. Her performances in these tournaments, combined with her leadership abilities, earned her recognition as one of Scotland’s most talented players. However, despite her successes on the international scene, she had never experienced anything quite like the WPL, a competition known for its high-pressure matches, star-studded lineups, and fast-paced cricket.
Sarah Bryce’s WPL Debut: A Dream Come True
When Sarah Bryce was selected to play in the inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League in 2023, it was a dream come true for the Scottish cricketer. The WPL represented a unique opportunity to test herself against some of the best cricketers from around the world, and Bryce was determined to make the most of it. However, the transition from the international stage to the fiercely competitive environment of the WPL was not without its challenges.
For Bryce, the primary goal during her maiden WPL stint was clear: “Trying to learn as much as I can.” As someone who had spent much of her career representing Scotland, Bryce was now entering a world filled with elite players, many of whom were seasoned campaigners in top international leagues. The experience was bound to be a steep learning curve, and she was prepared to soak up as much knowledge as possible.
SarahLearning from the Best
One of the most significant advantages of playing in a league like the WPL is the opportunity to learn from world-class cricketers. Sarah Bryce found herself sharing the field with some of the most experienced and skillful players, including India’s top players and international stars from countries like Australia, England, and New Zealand. For Bryce, every match in the WPL was an opportunity to observe and learn from these players, whether it was watching how they approached different match situations, analyzing their batting techniques, or studying their strategies behind the stumps.
In particular, Bryce was keen to learn about the mental side of the game—how top players handle pressure, manage game situations, and stay focused throughout. “The ability to stay calm under pressure is something that you really notice at this level. Watching how others approach difficult situations, whether it’s a tight chase or defending a low score, has been invaluable,” she shared.
Additionally, Bryce found that the WPL provided an excellent environment for improving her game awareness and tactical understanding. The level of competition was unparalleled, and every match provided new insights into the nuances of playing in a high-stakes, fast-paced tournament.
Her wicketkeeping skills were also honed further as she learned from some of the best in the business. The faster-paced nature of the WPL’s T20 format, combined with the presence of world-class bowlers, demanded sharper reflexes and quicker decision-making behind the stumps. Sarah Bryce was able to refine her skills in these areas, understanding the importance of staying agile and maintaining a keen sense of awareness in all match situations.
SarahFacing the Challenges of a New Environment
Despite the immense learning opportunities, Bryce’s first WPL season was not without its hurdles. Transitioning from the international circuit to a competition of the WPL’s caliber was an eye-opening experience. She was now part of a high-pressure environment where every match mattered, and the margin for error was minimal.
“The WPL is so different from anything I’ve been part of before. The intensity is on another level, and you have to be constantly prepared for anything,” Bryce said, acknowledging the pressure that comes with being part of such a prestigious league.
As a wicketkeeper-batter, Bryce was under constant scrutiny, especially in a tournament where big performances were expected from every player. Although she made valuable contributions with the bat, she found herself in situations where she had to adapt her game and refine her approach. The learning curve was steep, but Bryce was determined not to let it discourage her. Instead, she viewed each setback as an opportunity for growth.
“It’s not easy to compete at this level, but every challenge you face teaches you something. It’s important to stay patient, keep learning, and not get disheartened by setbacks,” she explained.
Bryce’s ability to stay calm and composed during pressure moments was crucial in her growth during the tournament. While there were times she faced difficulties, she understood that these experiences would shape her into a better player in the long run.
SarahImpact on Scottish Women’s Cricket
Sarah Bryce’s participation in the WPL was not just a personal milestone; it was also a significant moment for Scottish women’s cricket. Bryce became the first Scottish cricketer to play in the WPL, which helped raise the profile of women’s cricket in her country. Her inclusion in such a high-profile tournament has undoubtedly inspired many young girls in Scotland to pursue cricket as a career, showing them that opportunities in international leagues are within reach.
Bryce’s success in the WPL sends a powerful message to aspiring cricketers from associate nations—that they too can compete with the best. It also highlights the increasing importance of global tournaments in providing exposure and experience to players from smaller cricketing nations.
“It’s amazing to be part of something so big, and I hope that my experience can inspire other players in Scotland to chase their dreams. We need more opportunities like this to grow the game,” Bryce said, reflecting on the broader impact her participation in the WPL could have.
SarahLooking Ahead: A Bright Future
As Sarah Bryce reflected on her maiden WPL stint, it was clear that the experience had significantly shaped her as a player. The insights she gained, the skills she developed, and the lessons she learned will undoubtedly serve her well in the future.
For Bryce, the ultimate goal remains to continue learning and improving. Her time in the WPL was just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting career. With a clear focus on her growth and a determination to represent Scotland with pride, Bryce’s future in women’s cricket looks incredibly bright.
“I’m still learning, and that’s the key. I’ve taken so much away from this experience, and I’m excited to put it into practice going forward,” Bryce concluded, looking ahead to what lies next in her cricketing journey.
