The current Indian women’s cricket team is vastly different from the one that toured Australia in 2006. While for most it will be a maiden tour Down Under, what has remained constant is the combo of Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami, the torchbearers of women’s cricket. Mithali captained the team back then and Jhulan led the Indian bowling attack. The two will play the same roles in the upcoming tour where the Indian team will play three T20s (Jan 26-31) followed by a three-match ODI series (Feb 2-7) against Australia Women.
While accepting that playing against Australia is going to be a challenge, Mithali said she was looking forward to the tour. “The team is travelling to Australia for the first time since 2009. Though we have only two-three players who have the experience of playing on Australian tour before, this team has been around for two years. It will be interesting and a tough tour for the girls.”
The series will start with the T20Is which will also coincide with the men’s T20I series. Mithali said the double-headers will provide an opportunity to showcase their skills to a larger pool of audience. She said, playing Australia, the defending champions, will help in preparing for the World T20 to be played in India. “As a player, if I get to play matches before the World Cup, irrespective of the venue, it is good. Australia are T20 World Champions and it will be a good exposure for the girls. We will also know where we stand.”
The Indian skipper, who plays the textbook shots to perfection, revealed that she too has started to be a bit adventurous with her batting. “I did try the scoop shot in the Senior Women’s T20 and got three runs off it. It is a lot of fun.”
Former India captain and current coach of the team, Purnima Rau too backed her girls to play attacking strokes. The former off-spinner said she regretted the absence of the shortest format during her era. “I do regret not playing T20s as it would have suited my style of play. I regret missing out on this.
“I always tell the girls to play their natural game. I tell them to play beyond themselves. It is not about winning and losing, but how you play and enjoy the game.”
Rau said women’s cricket in India witnessed a big change since the BCCI took it over. “What makes me happier is that after the BCCI took over, there has been a big change. It is a complete contrast from the time I played. These girls have got contracts. It is a lovely day (step) for women’s cricket. The U-23 tournament has been introduced and it gives opportunities to girls who have cleared the junior stage.”
The coach also added that the upcoming World T20 could herald a new era in women’s cricket. “Women's cricket has to sell. The girls are capable of making the game exciting. We have come to a phase and it is high time now that we win the World Cup and take it to the next level from there.”
While the T20I matches are going to be watched closely, the one-day games are no less important as there are crucial points on offer. With the Indian team currently at seventh position on the ICC Women’s Championship, beating table toppers Australia will begin India’s climb towards the top. The top four ranked teams will get a direct entry to the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 whereas others will need to play qualifying matches.
“We won the last home series against New Zealand (3-2) but lost out on points (points only for the first three games). This tour is very important in terms of the points system in ODIs. We are looking at the World Cup 2017 and to qualify (directly) as we need to be in top four.”
