Day 41: NSW and Victoria bursting with talent

One of the best things about the Kia Super League was the quality of the overseas players that played for each of the teams. The calibre of Loughborough Lightning's overseas recruitment was outstanding. For the first two years, they were able to call on the services of Ellyse Perry. One of the world's leading all-rounders, I remember scoring 78 not out against Lancashire Thunder at Blackpool, Thunder combined to score only 12 more runs than Perry.

It might be a controversial thing to say, but I think Rachael Haynes and Elysse Villani's impact had more impact on the Lightning side. So it was interesting to see all of them playing in the game between Victoria and New South Wales overnight.

Haynes got the early upper-hand when she helped the first three balls of the game from Perry for four. It looked like NSW were going to post a big score as Haynes scored 60 from 60 balls.

Villani stole the show with an unbeaten 135 to take Victoria to an eight-wicket victory.

The depth of talent on both sides was astounding; Victoria's top four batters could take on most international teams with Meg Lanning at three.

I would love to see the kind of game in England, although I think it is a few years away yet. It is a testament to the Australian model of building from the bottom up. That was already in place with the state teams in a sense.

England has struggled because they have a core group of England players, and it is tough to break into that bubble. Until recently that has meant that players who have not had their England contracts renewed have been looking elsewhere for a career.

The regional hubs and to some extent, the Hundred will look to rebalance that gap. Domestic players can make a living from playing cricket. They have a focus that isn't England or bust.

I don't know whether it was a good thing or not to see Kim Garth play for Victoria last night. It is excellent for the player; there is no doubt about that. Garth is a very good player, but I want to see the teams like Ireland keeps its best players. It is in the best interests of world cricket to have 20 teams capable of beating each other when they play at their best.