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According to the MCC, the transition to "batter" is a natural step.
Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), has approved an amendment in the game's laws that will allow the use of the gender-neutral term "batter" instead of "batsman".
The MCC is the only authority on cricket's laws and has been since 1787.
Jamie Cox, MCC's assistant secretary to cricket and operations, stated: "MCC believes that cricket is a game for everyone and this move recognizes the changing landscape in the game in recent times."
In recent years, women's cricket has seen unprecedented growth at all levels in the world.
England's win over India in 2017 World Cup final was witnessed by a large crowd at Lord's, the traditional home of MCC.
In March 2020, just before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in India, the T20 World Cup final between Australia & India at Melbourne attracted 86.174 fans.
This summer saw the breaking of the domestic women's record when 17.116 people watched Oval Invincibles beat Southern Brave in The Hundred.
The MCC stated that "a number of governing bodies, media organizations are already using the term "batter" in their reporting and playing conditions."
"We expect and encourage other people to adopt the updated terminology after today's announcement of changes to the laws."
What's in the word?
Kate Cross, England bowler, believes that young girls will see the sport as more inclusive when they enter the game and are given gender-neutral terms.
Cross wrote in June for The Cricketer's external-link: "It's just a word. It is a word that could put young girls off the sport if she feels the door is closed to her.
It is unlikely that a young boy will be called a "batter", but it could affect a young girl who is called a "batsman".
"I grew-up playing cricket for a boys' team, and I can honestly say that the only thing I wanted was to be accepted and not feel like a sore thumb. I was the only one with a ponytail sticking out my cap."
