One-fourth of those who appeared for The Mumbai Cricket Association's scorers examination last week, were women. Hemal Ashar finds out why more women are fired up about keeping score
One-fourth of those who appeared for The Mumbai Cricket Association's scorers examination last week, were women.u00a0Hemal Asharu00a0finds out why more women are fired up about keeping score
The late William (Bill) Frindall was considered the greatest cricket statistician and scorer of all time. Nicknamed The Bearded Wonder for his ability to keep perfect score sheets, he also had the rare gift of recollecting the most obscure cricket facts and trivia in seconds. 
Bearded they will never be, but women in the city are gradually taking a fancy to Frindall's art. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) conducted a scorers examination this Friday at South Mumbai's Sydenham College. Of the 85 candidates who appeared for it, 20 were women.
Back to cricket
Theo Braganza, secretary, The Association of Cricket Statisticians and Scorers of India (ACSSI) says,u00a0 "There's a small but significant increase in the number of girls wanting to become scorers. They are a driven lot; they have a passion for the game. And now, there's opportunity to make money. There have been scorers who have made a livelihood out of the profession."
In fact, S K Wankhede, after whom the Wankhede stadium is named, was a scorer himself. Scoring, Braganza says, is a convenient way for women like Sanam Mistry to reconnectu00a0 with the sport. "It's an opportunity to get back to what I love. I had to cut off after I got married back in 1982," says Mistry, who represented Mumbai as an all-rounder between 1977 and 1982. This is also an avenue to make some money for the 51 year-old Grant Road resident who doesn't hold a job currently.
Howzatt for weekends
Unfortunately, this is the fate of most women scorers, Braganza says. "We've lost several of them to matrimony. It's tough for them to work on weekends, which is when most matches are held, and on public holidays."
Asilata Patil's weekends though, are zingier with the sweet sound of cherry meeting the meat of the willow. A former player, Patil now works with a a legal firm. "Although I have worked as scorer at Kanga League and Times Shield matches, I wanted a certification, which is why I appeared for the MCA exam. Working part-time as a scorer is convenient; making a living from it might be a bit tough since there are numerous scorers and getting a game every day might not be possible."
Computers can hang
While box scoring was used earlier, the more modern method of linear scoring now rules, says Ramesh Parab, an honorary worker with the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), and scoring lectureru00a0 for 15 years.u00a0 "Scoring is an art form; technology cannot replace it. Computers and machines can hang. And if you miss a ball, scoring goes for a toss. Besides, for smaller matches, it's impractical to have computerised scoring," he says.
Against all odds
Although practical hassles like the absence of bathrooms for women at most grounds pose a problem, scoring can be taken up by most, gender and age no bar, believe most experts. And if the 1993 World Cup in South Africa, that saw several women scorers, is anything to go by, women power may have scored already.
Quick facts
What a scorer does
He/she records the match in figures.
>>You need a scorer behind the scoreboard.
>>All scoreboards have their own scorers.
>>In India, the official match scorer sits in the press box.
>>The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) conduct scorers examinations.
>>Some scorers may not be certified but are allowed to score at matches, thanks to their expertise.
If you want to be a scorer
>>You need: A thorough knowledge of the rules of cricket.
>>Passion for the game.
>>Concentration and dedication.
>>Good, legible writing. Scorers have often been artists and draftsmen.u00a0
How to become one
Look out for Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) advertisements for scorer courses in newspapers, and apply. You'll have to appear for an exam. The BCCI also conducts an advanced exam after the MCA certification. Senior scorers attached to the MCA observe candidates and give them opportunities to score at matches.
Scorers earn Rs 350 for every Kanga League match, and in international matches, the price can go up to Rs 5,000 per day for a Test
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