Healy was referring to Australia's win over Sri Lanka in Bristol where Chamari Atapattu crunched an unbeaten 178 only for Meg Lanning to produce 152 not out as her side chased down 9-257. Waqar Younis clarified his comments. Credit:AP Younis, 45, has since clarified his original comments, saying "Lesser overs mean faster pace, more audience, competitive cricket, no discrimination or prejudice toward women." "It is a little bit offensive, what's T20 cricket for," Jonassen said.

"It's quite interesting that he said it the day after our match against Sri Lanka that was one of the highest scoring games of the World Cup so far. Five hundred odd runs scored and two of the best innings of the women's game ever. "I think [it's] maybe a little bit misguided. Quick retort: Australia wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy. Credit:Getty Images "The interest level [in women's cricket] grown immensely over the last 12 to 18 months especially. "A lot of the Indian men are following it quite closely as well, a lot of the Aussie boys as well back home they've sent through messages of support.

Australia bowler Jess Jonassen has hit back at 'misguided' views on women's cricket. Credit:Getty Images "That's something that's really special, and also to be able to increase the profile of women's cricket globally." The war of words is set to add extra spice to Wednesday's clash between Australia and Pakistan in Leicester, where Jonassen and Healy hope to help steer their side to a fourth-straight win to start the tournament. Jonassen shook off the minor hamstring strain that kept her out of the Sri Lanka game to star against New Zealand, claiming three wickets on Sunday including the prized scalp of Kiwi captain Suzie Bates. Healy has had a quieter World Cup and is yet to face a single ball. The closest she came was when Ellyse Perry holed out late against the Kiwis with one run still required for victory, and Healy was required to stand at the non-striker's end as Alex Blackwell struck the winning runs.

Pakistan has lost all three World Cup games so far, and were bowled out for just 74 against India on Sunday, scoring at less than two runs per over. Australia played them in a warm-up match before the tournament began, dismissing Pakistan for 156 before effortlessly chasing the runs down in less than 24 overs with the loss of just one wicket. Such was the ease of the victory, opener Beth Mooney retired on 63 allowing Rachael Haynes some time at the crease. A much stiffer test against England on Sunday awaits Australia, but Jonassen said that match wouldn't be discussed until Pakistan was ticked off the fixture list. "We haven't really played them a lot, In the practice match we seemed to do pretty well against them, they tend to hit to different areas than what we're used to," Jonassen said. Loading