The Indian women’s team in September are scheduled to play a 6-match white-ball series in England that gets underway on the 10th of September with the 1st of 3 T20I. Indian skipper, Harmanpreet Kaur in the pre-tour media interaction has touched on a few aspects which are all briefed below.
INDIA’S SQUAD FOR THE SERIES :
ODI squad :
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Sabbhineni Meghana, Deepti Sharma, Taniya Sapna Bhatia (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Pooja Vastrakar, Sneh Rana, Renuka Thakur, Meghna Singh, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Harleen Deol, Dayalan Hemalatha, Simran Dil Bahadur, Jhulan Goswami, Jemimah Rodrigues.
T20I squad :
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Jemimah Rodrigues, Sneh Rana, Renuka Thakur, Meghna Singh, Radha Yadav, Sabbhineni Meghana, Taniya Sapna Bhatia (WK), Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Dayalan Hemalatha, Simran Dil Bahadur, Richa Ghosh (WK), K.P. Navgire.
The Indian team has seen quite a few wicketkeepers in the mix of late and on the same, Harmanpreet Kaur said, “We are giving chances to different keepers according to the format.”
India in the recently concluded Commonwealth Games settled for the Silver having lost to Australia with a teasing 9-run margin and Harmanpreet Kaur on India’s final said, “I was not that happy after the finals performance, but when we get appreciation from our own people it feels good.”
Harmanpreet on India opting to play an extra batter said, “I think, no matter what format you are playing, you need six batters in the side. For me, I am really excited to give opportunities to young batters. Kiran and Hemlatha, I have seen in the domestic season and this is a step up for them.”
Jemimah Rodrigues playing in The Hundred just after the Commonwealth Games suffered a fracture despite which she was named in the touring squad. Harmanpreet Kaur shared an update on Jemimah saying, “I think the physio and support staff will be better placed to answer this question. Maybe they will provide an update on this at a later time.”
Jhulan Goswami is all set to bid farewell to the game after the 3rd and final ODI at the Lord’s cricket ground. Harmanpreet Kaur on the same said, “Her approach towards the game, nobody can beat that. I have learned a lot (from her). Nobody can take her place. Even today, she continues to put in the same effort. You don’t see many bowlers do that today.
“Her (Goswami) passion for cricket is unmatched. She’s a great example for all of us. A lot of cricketers began playing after being inspired by her. What she brings to the team, I haven’t seen (anyone do that). I was lucky to have a senior like her to learn from.’
In the press conference held earlier today, Harmanpreet Kaur confirmed Jhulan’s retirement after the England tour #CricketTwitter #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/zgW3JT9Dva
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) August 30, 2022
“She provides balance and adds a lot of support (to the time). This (her farewell series) will be very special for us. When I debuted, she was the captain and it’s a great opportunity for me that when she’s playing her final series, I will be leading. We are trying to make sure her every moment is special. The last game will be special for us too.”
All the 6 games of the series are scheduled to be played at different venues. The T20I opener will be played at the Riverside in Durham on the 10th of September and the remaining couple of T20I’s will be played on the 13th and 15th of September at the Incora County Ground, Derby and Bristol County Ground, Bristol respectively. The opening ODI game will be played at the 1st Central County Ground, Hove on the 18th of September with the next couple set to be played at Canterbury on the 21st and 24th at the Lord’s cricket ground.
