day seven: debuts and tour announcements

Today, the ECB announced that England's women will be touring Pakistan this October; playing two T20 doubleheaders followed by three ODIs. It is a significant step forward for not just England and Pakistan but women's international cricket. With India reluctant to travel and other women's series cancelled, it is to England's credit to make such a positive approach.

It will be England women's first visit to Pakistan. This is a step forward in improving the standard of the top nations in the women's game. There must be ten or more international sides that are capable of beating each other. There is a danger that the top three or four teams pulling away and not taking the other teams with them. There should be an expectation when you turn up to a ground that either team has a chance of winning.

David Hemp, the Pakistan coach, has been in charge since October and is an outstanding coach. If there is anyone that can un-tap some of the undoubted talents that Pakistan possesses he is it.

long-awaited debut

There is always excitement around a debut, at Sydney, for the third test between Australia and India, there was a good reason. Clair Polosak became the first woman to officiate in a men's test match. At 32, that is an impressive feat. Polosak, who has proven to be a remarkable umpire, is on fourth umpire duties.

Another debut

Othe other anticipated debut was Will Pucovski, an opening batsman who has proven his hunger for runs in the Sheffield Shield. It is difficult to judge a player on the half an hour I saw of him. The day job gets in the way of pulling an all-nighter. He did look He will be around for a while.

Pucovski didn't look phased, left well and appeared to be a good foil for David Warner. On the other hand, Warner was a little too eager to make his mark on the series. He isn't fully fit but an hour of Warner batting usually puts you in the driving seat.

Australia survived the early loss of Warner for five, and Pucovski and Marcus Labuschange shared a partnership of 100. Pucovski had survived two dropped catches to score 62. Labuschange is 67 not out overnight. Steve Smith also looked in that type of form that he wants to score and score heavily. Day two should prove another fascinating day of test cricket.