Fans across the world are counting the days left for the Women’s T20 Challenge (mini Women’s IPL) that kick starts in UAE from 4th November. All the players have reached the destination safe and sound and are gearing to get on the field for some warm-up sessions before the mega event unfolds.
In an exclusive chat with Female Cricket, West Indian speedster – Shakera Selman talks about her excitement being part of the defending champions Shakera Selman.
Read the interview to know more:
1. How was it like playing competitive cricket in England after a long forced COVID-19 induced break?
It was challenging after being out of the game for 6 months, but it was good to play some competitive cricket again.
2. What does it take to be a good new-ball bowler?
I’d have to say confidence, control, and a clear plan. Obviously, it takes a lot of hard work like mastering any other skill would but for me, bowling in the powerplay and batters coming at you, you’ve got to have those 3 C’s.
3. The Caribbeans have always produced quality pace attacks. How was your inspiration? What made you take up bowling?
Yes we have been known for the really good pacers we have produced and I wish I could bowl as quickly as those guys did in the past but they have all inspired me I’d say. Sir Andy Roberts has and Ian Bishop have been two guys I really look up to, and I chat with whenever I get the chance. Just the way the guys were able to control the game with their consistency was quite amazing. I’m not sure why I decided to bowl honestly, perhaps I just realized I was better at it than I was at batting, plus, playing against the guys when I was young, I was always very happy to out them.
4. Last year you were a part of Trailblazers. How was it playing under the leadership of Smriti Mandhana?
Smriti is so young but already a legend of the game. I enjoyed playing under her leadership, her professionalism, and her understanding of the game really stood out for me.
5. This year, you will be representing the Supernovas in the upcoming Women’s T20 Challenge. How are you preparing for the competition?
Yes, I’m quite excited to be playing under the Indian Women’s team captain and just to be a Supernova. Having just returned from tour, I’ve been working mostly on the mental aspect of my game as well as my execution.
6. Being a part of the defending champions outfit, does it put an added pressure on you to deliver your best?
Not really, any team I play with, my aim is always to help them win whatever competition we’re taking a part in so this really is no different. The Supernovas like you said, are defending champions, so it helps to play with an outfit that clearly knows how to win championships.
7. According to you, what is the secret to success as a bowler in T20 cricket?
Bowling is hard work, especially in T20 cricket. I think it’s important that you have variations in your arsenal and you have got to try to out-think the batters.
8. Ayabonga Khaka in our recent interviews mentioned that she is keen to learn and open the bowling spell with you. How eager are you to exchange ideas and learn from each other?
Yes, Khaka has been an excellent bowler for the Proteas over the last few years and I too look forward to bowling with and picking up a few things from her.
9. What was the one key takeaway for you from the previous edition? What is it that you are looking to learn now?
Last year was a really good opportunity for me and I really enjoyed the challenge. But one thing I probably learned was that you’ve got to close out games. We failed to get through to the final last year because of an inferior run rate and I think we were in a position where we could have maybe avoided that, had we won the first game more convincingly. This year though, I’m looking to pick up anything from the other players and coaches that I may interact with, which can help me to improve my overall game.
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