England women’s team captain Heather Knight was left furious with the pitch condition after her side lost to India in the one-off match&nbsp;on Saturday (Dec 16) at the DY&nbsp;Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. England were beaten by a record margin of 347 runs on a pitch that was described by Knight as “extreme”. Deepti Sharma was the pick of the bowlers for India having scalped nine wickets in the match including a five-for in the first innings.

<h2>Knight concerned about nature of pitch</h2>

"These conditions were really extreme; we have never seen that sort of spin before, that sort of dryness in the pitch," Knight said after England's record 347-run loss at the DY&nbsp;Patil Stadium.

"In the main formats we play - T20 and 50 overs - we are not going to get as much [turn] as that."

"Previously our issues against spin have been more [around] the ball not spinning. You'd look at the wickets Ash Gardner took in the Ashes, there weren't many that spun. My dismissal that spun but a lot was outside edge and balls that didn't spin," added Knight.&nbsp;

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England were bowled out for 136 and 131 runs in both innings and had a poor outing in the red-ball format despite being the dominant force in the limited-overs format. Knight, however, pointed out the plans where England will be in the sub-continent for the T20 World Cup in 2024 and the ODI World Cup in 2025.

"These conditions were extreme, and I'd be surprised if we face those again unless we play another Test in India shortly, which I am not sure is in the plan. We want to get better in the conditions we might face in Bangladesh. Spin does dominate in the women's game, and if we can improve that it will give us a big advantage," said Knight.&nbsp;

England's poor show in the contest was masterminded by the excellent Deepti Sharma as she ended with nine wickets&nbsp;for which she&nbsp;was declared Player of the Match.&nbsp;England had earlier beaten India 2-1 in the three-match T20I series as they now turn their attention to the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.

England women’s team captain Heather Knight was left furious with the pitch condition after her side lost to India in the one-off match on Saturday (Dec 16) at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

England women’s team captain Heather Knight was left furious with the pitch condition after her side lost to India in the one-off match on Saturday (Dec 16) at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. England were beaten by a record margin of 347 runs on a pitch that was described by Knight as “extreme”. Deepti Sharma was the pick of the bowlers for India having scalped nine wickets in the match including a five-for in the first innings. Knight concerned about nature of pitch "These conditions were really extreme; we have never seen that sort of spin before, that sort of dryness in the pitch," Knight said after England's record 347-run loss at the DY Patil Stadium. "In the main formats we play - T20 and 50 overs - we are not going to get as much [turn] as that." "Previously our issues against spin have been more [around] the ball not spinning. You'd look at the wickets Ash Gardner took in the Ashes, there weren't many that spun. My dismissal that spun but a lot was outside edge and balls that didn't spin," added Knight. ALSO READ | India pacer Mohammed Shami out of South Africa Tests with injury; Akash Deep replaces Deepak Chahar for ODIs England were bowled out for 136 and 131 runs in both innings and had a poor outing in the red-ball format despite being the dominant force in the limited-overs format. Knight, however, pointed out the plans where England will be in the sub-continent for the T20 World Cup in 2024 and the ODI World Cup in 2025. "These conditions were extreme, and I'd be surprised if we face those again unless we play another Test in India shortly, which I am not sure is in the plan. We want to get better in the conditions we might face in Bangladesh. Spin does dominate in the women's game, and if we can improve that it will give us a big advantage," said Knight. England's poor show in the contest was masterminded by the excellent Deepti Sharma as she ended with nine wickets for which she was declared Player of the Match. England had earlier beaten India 2-1 in the three-match T20I series as they now turn their attention to the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.

'Pitch conditions were really extreme', says England captain Knight left furious after India's dominating win

India Women’s cricket team showed grit and resilience to draw the one-off Test against England in Bristol following a superb show by the likes of Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana among others. Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg has lavished high praise on the Indian team as he said with proper matches and practice, women’s team can dominate the game of cricket like their male counterparts are doing at the moment.<o:p></o:p>

Sneh Rana scored an unbeaten 80 and was superbly helped by Taniya Bhatia as they put out a record partnership at number 10 to save the match for India on Day 4 of the one-off Test. Whereas Shafali scored superb half-centuries in both innings to help India get a flying start. Hogg while batting for a five-day Tests in women’s cricket added that there should have been a three-match Test series and the only way to improve the quality of the sport is by playing more Test cricket.<o:p></o:p>

“I think India Women were fantastic. The way that they saved the Test match, they had the fight right till the end. They don’t have much experience in that regard as what England do. They are not too off the mark. I am really looking forward to them playing against Australia," Hogg said in a video uploaded on his Youtube channel.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-sneh-rana-becomes-first-indian-cricketer-to-script-unique-record-on-test-debut-392722" hreflang="en">Cricket: Sneh Rana becomes first Indian cricketer to script unique record on Test debut</a><o:p></o:p>

“With the youth that is coming through right now, I would probably give them four years before they start to get dominant like the men’s team. They might be the team to beat in four years’ time and might knock Australia off the mantle in that regard," he added.<o:p></o:p>

“I think they should play five-day Test matches. I also feel there should be more than one game in a series, there should be a three-match Test series. Women’s cricket is improving and the only way in which you can improve more is by playing more Test cricket," Hogg added.<o:p></o:p>

India Women’s cricket team showed grit and resilience to draw the one-off Test against England in Bristol following a superb show by the likes of Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana among others.

India Women’s cricket team showed grit and resilience to draw the one-off Test against England in Bristol following a superb show by the likes of Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana among others. Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg has lavished high praise on the Indian team as he said with proper matches and practice, women’s team can dominate the game of cricket like their male counterparts are doing at the moment. Sneh Rana scored an unbeaten 80 and was superbly helped by Taniya Bhatia as they put out a record partnership at number 10 to save the match for India on Day 4 of the one-off Test. Whereas Shafali scored superb half-centuries in both innings to help India get a flying start. Hogg while batting for a five-day Tests in women’s cricket added that there should have been a three-match Test series and the only way to improve the quality of the sport is by playing more Test cricket. “I think India Women were fantastic. The way that they saved the Test match, they had the fight right till the end. They don’t have much experience in that regard as what England do. They are not too off the mark. I am really looking forward to them playing against Australia," Hogg said in a video uploaded on his Youtube channel. ALSO READ: Cricket: Sneh Rana becomes first Indian cricketer to script unique record on Test debut “With the youth that is coming through right now, I would probably give them four years before they start to get dominant like the men’s team. They might be the team to beat in four years’ time and might knock Australia off the mantle in that regard," he added. “I think they should play five-day Test matches. I also feel there should be more than one game in a series, there should be a three-match Test series. Women’s cricket is improving and the only way in which you can improve more is by playing more Test cricket," Hogg added.

Cricket - Give them four years, will dominate like men's team: Brad Hogg left impressed by India Women

India women's cricket team spinner Sneh Rana on Wednesday dedicated her terrific Test debut outing to her late father, who died a couple of months back. Her father's demise came before she was named in the Indian team for the ongoing one-off match against England in Bristol.

At a time when England were looking to dominate with Nat Sciver and Heather Knight at the crease, the hosts were taken aback by&nbsp;Rana (3/77) and all-rounder&nbsp;Deepti Sharma&nbsp;(2/50) as they picked two wickets each in the final session of the opening day to bring India back in the Test, the team's first in seven years.

"I lost my father two months back. When this team was announced, a little before that, I lost him. It was a bit difficult, it was an emotional moment because he wanted to see me play again for India," Rana said during the press conference that followed after day one's play on Wednesday.

"But unfortunately, he can't. It's okay, it is part of life, but whatever I did after that and whatever I will do now, I will dedicate everything to him," she said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-wtc-final-india-vs-new-zealand-day-wise-weather-forecast-as-rain-threat-looms-in-southampton-391989" hreflang="en">Cricket: WTC Final, India vs New Zealand: Day-wise weather forecast as rain threat looms in Southampton</a>

England lost four wickets for 21 runs in seven overs in the final session. 
 
"The pitch was a little slow at the early stage, but it helped the spinners, because it was turning a bit from starting only.

"It's a really good wicket to bat on. I think it will remain the same tomorrow."

Opting to bat first, England women ended with 269/6 at stumps. Skipper Knight top-scored with a cracking 95 but couldn't complete her second Test ton.

"In the practice sessions, we used to speak to the captain (Mithali Raj) and coach (Ramesh Powar), on what to do, how to bowl, what needs to be done.

"I was playing for the first time in a Test, where the scenario is a bit different from one-days and T20s, so we used to speak daily about it."

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Coach Ramesh Powar had urged Rana, whose scalps included&nbsp;Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones and&nbsp;Georgia Elwiss, to bowl to her strengths.

"Those who observe from the outside know better. He did not put any pressure but said that bowl to strength and follow the basics.

"So, I did not do anything extra on that ball (on which I got my first wicket), I just tried bowling to my strengths and it worked out."

Rana, who made a comeback to the national team after five years, said that she was rewarded for her performances in the domestic circuit.

"Actually, I suffered from an injury, due to which I was away from cricket for a year, but I have constantly played domestic (cricket) after that, and on the basis of that performance, I made a comeback to the Indian team after five years," she said.

Stressing that one should not give up, Rana said that her comeback could inspire a few people.

"Many people think we cannot make a comeback or making a comeback in international (cricket) is difficult, especially in women's cricket. So I feel because of me some people would have been inspired and we should not give up,” the off-spinner signed off.

India women's cricket team spinner Sneh Rana on Wednesday dedicated her terrific Test debut outing to her late father, who died a couple of months back. Her father's demise came before she was named in the Indian team for the ongoing one-off match against England in Bristol.

India women's cricket team spinner Sneh Rana on Wednesday dedicated her terrific Test debut outing to her late father, who died a couple of months back. Her father's demise came before she was named in the Indian team for the ongoing one-off match against England in Bristol. At a time when England were looking to dominate with Nat Sciver and Heather Knight at the crease, the hosts were taken aback by Rana (3/77) and all-rounder Deepti Sharma (2/50) as they picked two wickets each in the final session of the opening day to bring India back in the Test, the team's first in seven years. "I lost my father two months back. When this team was announced, a little before that, I lost him. It was a bit difficult, it was an emotional moment because he wanted to see me play again for India," Rana said during the press conference that followed after day one's play on Wednesday. "But unfortunately, he can't. It's okay, it is part of life, but whatever I did after that and whatever I will do now, I will dedicate everything to him," she said. ALSO READ: Cricket: WTC Final, India vs New Zealand: Day-wise weather forecast as rain threat looms in Southampton England lost four wickets for 21 runs in seven overs in the final session. "The pitch was a little slow at the early stage, but it helped the spinners, because it was turning a bit from starting only. "It's a really good wicket to bat on. I think it will remain the same tomorrow." Opting to bat first, England women ended with 269/6 at stumps. Skipper Knight top-scored with a cracking 95 but couldn't complete her second Test ton. "In the practice sessions, we used to speak to the captain (Mithali Raj) and coach (Ramesh Powar), on what to do, how to bowl, what needs to be done. "I was playing for the first time in a Test, where the scenario is a bit different from one-days and T20s, so we used to speak daily about it." All-rounder Sneh Rana dedicates her #TeamIndia comeback to her late father. #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/PHl4XHkjZT — BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) June 16, 2021 × Coach Ramesh Powar had urged Rana, whose scalps included Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones and Georgia Elwiss, to bowl to her strengths. "Those who observe from the outside know better. He did not put any pressure but said that bowl to strength and follow the basics. "So, I did not do anything extra on that ball (on which I got my first wicket), I just tried bowling to my strengths and it worked out." Rana, who made a comeback to the national team after five years, said that she was rewarded for her performances in the domestic circuit. "Actually, I suffered from an injury, due to which I was away from cricket for a year, but I have constantly played domestic (cricket) after that, and on the basis of that performance, I made a comeback to the Indian team after five years," she said. Stressing that one should not give up, Rana said that her comeback could inspire a few people. "Many people think we cannot make a comeback or making a comeback in international (cricket) is difficult, especially in women's cricket. So I feel because of me some people would have been inspired and we should not give up,” the off-spinner signed off.

Cricket: India's Sneh Rana dedicates stellar Test debut to late father

India Women will kick-start their one-off Test against England Women on June 16 at Bristol with the much-awaited match in the longest format of the game coming for the Mithali Raj-led outfit after a long gap of almost seven years. <o:p></o:p>

India Women’s Test vice-captain Harmapreet Kaur on Monday addressed a range of questions ahead of the Test as she revealed that players have picked the brains of men’s Test deputy Ajinkya Rahane ahead of the game against England.<o:p></o:p>

India are also scheduled to play three ODIs and as many T20Is against England after the one-off Test. <o:p></o:p>

"I have not played much of red-ball cricket, I have played just two Tests. This time we got a chance to speak to Ajinkya Rahane, we picked his brain on how to bat in the longer format, mentally we are prepared. Even in the nets, we try to be in the right frame of mind. When you are happy, you play good cricket. We try to play to our strengths. We had an easy and friendly talk with Rahane, he is very experienced, we had a chance to talk to him and we did exactly that," said Harmanpreet during a virtual press conference on Monday.<o:p></o:p>

India head into the Test without much preparation. Having only spent some time at the nets, the team hasn’t had ideal preparations before the highly anticipated match.<o:p></o:p>

"I know we did not get much time to prepare, we did not get enough time to practice but as players, we need to adapt. Wickets here are different, today and tomorrow, we need to do the needful to prepare ourselves. Well, it is totally different scenario when you play red-ball cricket, it is important to get used to the conditions. We did not get domestic games with the red ball, but in the coming years, we will get more red-ball games," she added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-icc-world-test-championship-final-details-of-wtc-prize-money-announced-391411" hreflang="en">Cricket: ICC World Test Championship Final - Details of WTC prize money announced</a><o:p></o:p>

Harmanpreet also recalled the last Test match played between India Women and England Women in 2014 wherein the former came victorious with a six-wicket win. While Harmanpreet didn’t get many runs in the match, it was Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, Niranjana Nagarajan and Smriti Mandhana, who returned with valuable contributions with bat and ball. <o:p></o:p>

“We have very good memories from our previous Test in England. The last partnership between Shikha Pandey and Mithali Raj was crucial and overall it was one of the memorable experiences,” Harmanpreet said. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

When asked about the possible impact of Jhulan Goswami in the Test match, Harmanpreet said: "Well, Jhulan is someone who always takes the lead, she is always special for us. She will always give us breakthroughs whenever we need them. In Tests, you need breakthroughs, and you need someone who can deliver the wickets. I think she will be fantastic in this Test match as well."<o:p></o:p>

India Women will kick-start their one-off Test against England Women on June 16 at Bristol with the much-awaited match in the longest format of the game coming for the Mithali Raj-led outfit after a long gap of almost seven years.

India Women will kick-start their one-off Test against England Women on June 16 at Bristol with the much-awaited match in the longest format of the game coming for the Mithali Raj-led outfit after a long gap of almost seven years. India Women’s Test vice-captain Harmapreet Kaur on Monday addressed a range of questions ahead of the Test as she revealed that players have picked the brains of men’s Test deputy Ajinkya Rahane ahead of the game against England. India are also scheduled to play three ODIs and as many T20Is against England after the one-off Test. "I have not played much of red-ball cricket, I have played just two Tests. This time we got a chance to speak to Ajinkya Rahane, we picked his brain on how to bat in the longer format, mentally we are prepared. Even in the nets, we try to be in the right frame of mind. When you are happy, you play good cricket. We try to play to our strengths. We had an easy and friendly talk with Rahane, he is very experienced, we had a chance to talk to him and we did exactly that," said Harmanpreet during a virtual press conference on Monday. India head into the Test without much preparation. Having only spent some time at the nets, the team hasn’t had ideal preparations before the highly anticipated match. "I know we did not get much time to prepare, we did not get enough time to practice but as players, we need to adapt. Wickets here are different, today and tomorrow, we need to do the needful to prepare ourselves. Well, it is totally different scenario when you play red-ball cricket, it is important to get used to the conditions. We did not get domestic games with the red ball, but in the coming years, we will get more red-ball games," she added. ALSO READ: Cricket: ICC World Test Championship Final - Details of WTC prize money announced Harmanpreet also recalled the last Test match played between India Women and England Women in 2014 wherein the former came victorious with a six-wicket win. While Harmanpreet didn’t get many runs in the match, it was Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, Niranjana Nagarajan and Smriti Mandhana, who returned with valuable contributions with bat and ball. “We have very good memories from our previous Test in England. The last partnership between Shikha Pandey and Mithali Raj was crucial and overall it was one of the memorable experiences,” Harmanpreet said. When asked about the possible impact of Jhulan Goswami in the Test match, Harmanpreet said: "Well, Jhulan is someone who always takes the lead, she is always special for us. She will always give us breakthroughs whenever we need them. In Tests, you need breakthroughs, and you need someone who can deliver the wickets. I think she will be fantastic in this Test match as well."

Players picked Ajinkya Rahane's brain about batting in Test cricket: Harmanpreet Kaur ahead of England match

After a long break of seven years, India women are set to play their first Test against England on June 16 in Bristol in what promises to be a cracker of a tour.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p>

The last time India women participated in Test match was in 2014 where they faced South Africa. India women will further take on Australia in their first-ever pink-ball Test later in the year at the Adelaide Oval in what will be a historic moment in women’s cricket.<o:p></o:p>

In a video posted by the BCCI, India Test vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed her excitement on the prospect of playing Test match for India after a long time. <o:p></o:p>

"Test match is like a dream, I actually want to play many Test matches in my life and I hope we will continue this. Playing in England with the red ball is challenging and we all are excited about it," Kaur said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-australia-should-make-sandpaper-gate-investigation-public-david-saker-389228" hreflang="en">Cricket Australia should make sandpaper gate investigation public: David Saker</a><o:p></o:p>

Even Smriti Mandhana expressed her excitement as she gears up to take the field. “It's quite exciting as we are touring with the Indian team after a long time. We have had tours individually for KSL but really excited to go out there with a bunch of girls," Smriti said. <o:p></o:p>

Earlier last week, the BCCI unveiled the Test jersey that India women will don in the one-off Test against England. <o:p></o:p>

“We got to know a lot about the history of women's cricket and also Mithali di spoke about the importance of Test cricket for them. It was quite motivational," Smriti said about the ceremony.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-psl-2021-to-resume-on-june-9-final-on-june-24-check-full-schedule-389220" hreflang="en">Cricket: PSL 2021 to resume on June 9, final on June 24 - Check full schedule</a><o:p></o:p>

Whereas Harmanpreet said it was great to meet the team members after completing the quarantine period. <o:p></o:p>

“It was a great feeling as we are in quarantine and it was a chance to meet everyone present there. We exchanged the jersey, it was a great feeling, ” she added. <o:p></o:p>

India Women have arrived in England, where they will face England in a one-off Test, three ODIs, and three T20Is. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">India Women Tour of England: Full schedule</h2>

• One-off Test: June 16th – 19th at Bristol County Ground<o:p></o:p>

• ODI series<o:p></o:p>

1st ODI: June 27th at Bristol County Ground <o:p></o:p>

2nd ODI: June 30th at The County Ground<o:p></o:p>

3rd ODI: July 3rd at New Road<o:p></o:p>

• T20I series<o:p></o:p>

1st T20I: July 9th at The County Ground<o:p></o:p>

2nd T20I: July 11th at 1st Central Country Ground<o:p></o:p>

3rd T20I: July 15th at The Cloudfm County Ground<o:p></o:p>

After a long break of seven years, India women are set to play their first Test against England on June 16 in Bristol in what promises to be a cracker of a tour.

After a long break of seven years, India women are set to play their first Test against England on June 16 in Bristol in what promises to be a cracker of a tour. The last time India women participated in Test match was in 2014 where they faced South Africa. India women will further take on Australia in their first-ever pink-ball Test later in the year at the Adelaide Oval in what will be a historic moment in women’s cricket. In a video posted by the BCCI, India Test vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed her excitement on the prospect of playing Test match for India after a long time. "Test match is like a dream, I actually want to play many Test matches in my life and I hope we will continue this. Playing in England with the red ball is challenging and we all are excited about it," Kaur said. ALSO READ: Cricket Australia should make sandpaper gate investigation public: David Saker Even Smriti Mandhana expressed her excitement as she gears up to take the field. “It's quite exciting as we are touring with the Indian team after a long time. We have had tours individually for KSL but really excited to go out there with a bunch of girls," Smriti said. Earlier last week, the BCCI unveiled the Test jersey that India women will don in the one-off Test against England. “We got to know a lot about the history of women's cricket and also Mithali di spoke about the importance of Test cricket for them. It was quite motivational," Smriti said about the ceremony. ALSO READ: Cricket: PSL 2021 to resume on June 9, final on June 24 - Check full schedule Whereas Harmanpreet said it was great to meet the team members after completing the quarantine period. “It was a great feeling as we are in quarantine and it was a chance to meet everyone present there. We exchanged the jersey, it was a great feeling, ” she added. India Women have arrived in England, where they will face England in a one-off Test, three ODIs, and three T20Is. India Women Tour of England: Full schedule • One-off Test: June 16th – 19th at Bristol County Ground • ODI series 1st ODI: June 27th at Bristol County Ground 2nd ODI: June 30th at The County Ground 3rd ODI: July 3rd at New Road • T20I series 1st T20I: July 9th at The County Ground 2nd T20I: July 11th at 1st Central Country Ground 3rd T20I: July 15th at The Cloudfm County Ground

'Test match is like a dream': India's Harmanpreet Kaur excited for red-ball cricket against England

All eyes will be on young batter Shafali Verma when India take the field in their tour of England where the Women in Blue are set to play one-off Test, three ODIs and as many T20Is. As India gear up to depart to the UK, the Indian women team’s head coach Ramesh Powar sounded optimistic of Shafali’s prospects in English conditions.<o:p></o:p>

Powar was central to India men’s batsman Prithvi Shaw’s turnaround as the youngster roared back to form in Vijay Hazare Trophy for Mumbai following a disappointing tour of Australia, where he was dropped from the playing XI due to poor run of form.

Shaw went hammer and tonk in the domestic circuit and regained his form and confidence to take the first half of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 by storm. He scored more than 800 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021 and then lit up the IPL 2021, scoring 308 runs in eight matches.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-cricket-needs-media-support-indias-mithali-raj-opines-on-naomi-osaka-controversy-388802" hreflang="en">Women's cricket needs media support: India's Mithali Raj opines on Naomi Osaka controversy</a>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Might see a different Shafali Verma after a month and&nbsp;half: Ramesh Powar</h2>

Powar hopes to achieve something similar with Shafali, who was surprisingly not picked for the WODI series against South Africa earlier this year. Shafali had garnered eyeballs from all around the world following her exploits for India in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 wherein the youngster played some blistering knocks to help the Women in Blue reach the final. <o:p></o:p>

“It depends on the way she handles the sessions of practice. We have done something great with Prithvi Shaw when he played the Vijay Hazare Trophy (for Mumbai). You can wait and watch, you might see a different Shafali Verma after a month and a half," Powar said on Tuesday.<o:p></o:p>

However, Powar said that the Indian team will finalise the plans around the team combination upon reaching England and assessing the conditions.<o:p></o:p>

"Every player in this tour will make a difference. Shafali is a special talent. We will explore the combinations that will help us win matches," the former Indian off-spinner said.<o:p></o:p>

Powar had helped Mumbai to win the Vijay Hazare Trophy in his short-stint before taking the job of the Indian women’s head coach.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-kathryn-bryce-first-from-scotland-in-top-10-of-icc-player-rankings-388774" hreflang="en">Cricket: Kathryn Bryce first from Scotland in top 10 of ICC Player Rankings</a>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Not an ideal world but looking at the bright side: Ramesh Powar</o:p></h2>

Meanwhile, India women’s team will hardly have any match practice before the England series and Powar accepted that it is not the ideal situation. However, the head coach said the mental aspect of the game can make a huge difference. <o:p></o:p>

"It is a not ideal world, but we are looking at the bright side that we are playing cricket - Tests, ODIs and T20s. It's a long tour of 45 days. It is not physically possible to prepare, but mental make-up will make a huge difference."<o:p></o:p>

This will be the first-ever Test match for most of the players and skipper Mithali Raj said that cricketers must enjoy the atmosphere and learn from the experience. Only seven members of the Indian squad have played Test cricket before.&nbsp;

India women have so far played just 19 Tests while winning four of them. The Test against England women will be India's first since the one-off Test against South Africa in 2014/15 where the Mithali Raj-led outfit came victorious. India will further play their first-ever pink-ball Test against Australia later in the year.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

“It’s good to have Tests, whether it’s home or away. If there’s continuity it’s great because it helps players as well. Sometimes it's nice to go in without baggage, you just go in, play and enjoy the atmosphere,” Mithali said.<o:p></o:p>

“It’s good to have the girls who are playing for the first time and the girls who have played in the past and share their experiences how it was back in 2014. But having back-to-back Test matches can give a lot of exposure to the current lot.”<o:p></o:p>

Indian women’s team will depart for their tour of the UK on June 2 as they gear up to take on England in a one-off Test, three ODIs, and as many T20Is, starting June 16.<o:p></o:p>

All eyes will be on young batter Shafali Verma when India take the field in their tour of England where the Women in Blue are set to play one-off Test, three ODIs and as many T20Is.

All eyes will be on young batter Shafali Verma when India take the field in their tour of England where the Women in Blue are set to play one-off Test, three ODIs and as many T20Is. As India gear up to depart to the UK, the Indian women team’s head coach Ramesh Powar sounded optimistic of Shafali’s prospects in English conditions. Powar was central to India men’s batsman Prithvi Shaw’s turnaround as the youngster roared back to form in Vijay Hazare Trophy for Mumbai following a disappointing tour of Australia, where he was dropped from the playing XI due to poor run of form. Shaw went hammer and tonk in the domestic circuit and regained his form and confidence to take the first half of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 by storm. He scored more than 800 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021 and then lit up the IPL 2021, scoring 308 runs in eight matches. ALSO READ: Women's cricket needs media support: India's Mithali Raj opines on Naomi Osaka controversy Might see a different Shafali Verma after a month and half: Ramesh Powar Powar hopes to achieve something similar with Shafali, who was surprisingly not picked for the WODI series against South Africa earlier this year. Shafali had garnered eyeballs from all around the world following her exploits for India in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 wherein the youngster played some blistering knocks to help the Women in Blue reach the final. “It depends on the way she handles the sessions of practice. We have done something great with Prithvi Shaw when he played the Vijay Hazare Trophy (for Mumbai). You can wait and watch, you might see a different Shafali Verma after a month and a half," Powar said on Tuesday. However, Powar said that the Indian team will finalise the plans around the team combination upon reaching England and assessing the conditions. "Every player in this tour will make a difference. Shafali is a special talent. We will explore the combinations that will help us win matches," the former Indian off-spinner said. Powar had helped Mumbai to win the Vijay Hazare Trophy in his short-stint before taking the job of the Indian women’s head coach. ALSO READ: Cricket: Kathryn Bryce first from Scotland in top 10 of ICC Player Rankings Not an ideal world but looking at the bright side: Ramesh Powar Meanwhile, India women’s team will hardly have any match practice before the England series and Powar accepted that it is not the ideal situation. However, the head coach said the mental aspect of the game can make a huge difference. "It is a not ideal world, but we are looking at the bright side that we are playing cricket - Tests, ODIs and T20s. It's a long tour of 45 days. It is not physically possible to prepare, but mental make-up will make a huge difference." This will be the first-ever Test match for most of the players and skipper Mithali Raj said that cricketers must enjoy the atmosphere and learn from the experience. Only seven members of the Indian squad have played Test cricket before. India women have so far played just 19 Tests while winning four of them. The Test against England women will be India's first since the one-off Test against South Africa in 2014/15 where the Mithali Raj-led outfit came victorious. India will further play their first-ever pink-ball Test against Australia later in the year. “It’s good to have Tests, whether it’s home or away. If there’s continuity it’s great because it helps players as well. Sometimes it's nice to go in without baggage, you just go in, play and enjoy the atmosphere,” Mithali said. “It’s good to have the girls who are playing for the first time and the girls who have played in the past and share their experiences how it was back in 2014. But having back-to-back Test matches can give a lot of exposure to the current lot.” Indian women’s team will depart for their tour of the UK on June 2 as they gear up to take on England in a one-off Test, three ODIs, and as many T20Is, starting June 16.

Cricket: Might see different Shafali Verma in a month and half, says Ramesh Powar ahead of England tour

Indian women’s Test and ODI skipper Mithali Raj on Tuesday reacted to the ongoing episode surrounding tennis player Naomi Osaka boycotting media engagements citing anxiety issues. Mithali opined that she never felt the need to boycott media as women’s cricket needs media support. <o:p></o:p>

Osaka on Tuesday pulled out of the ongoing French Open to take care of her mental health following a massive fall-out as the Japanese tennis star had decided to boycott press conferences during the Grand Slam.&nbsp;Osaka had said she goes through anxiety before facing the world media.&nbsp;Osaka is the world's highest-earning female athlete, making $37.4 million in 2020. She burst onto the scene in 2018 with a maiden Slam win at the US Open.&nbsp;

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Women's cricket needs media support: Mithali Raj</h2>

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"Well, I think it is tough to be in quarantine for any athlete. But, I think getting into a tournament, we do not feel that. Personally, I have not felt that I should forgo a press conference because women's cricket right now where it stands, it needs media support and it is important for players also to sort of try and help in the growth of the sport. So we need to try to promote the sport," said Mithali during a virtual press conference.&nbsp;

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-ramesh-powar-will-help-in-giving-required-push-to-the-team-harmanpreet-kaur-388759" hreflang="en">Cricket: 'Ramesh Powar will help in giving required push to the team': Harmanpreet Kaur</a>

Many have come forward to support Osaka’s stance of protecting and taking care of her mental health including superstars like Serena Williams.

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<a href="https://t.co/LN2ANnoAYD">pic.twitter.com/LN2ANnoAYD</a>
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) <a href="https://twitter.com/naomiosaka/status/1399422304854188037?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Even former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif on Tuesday said players from different sports should have the choice to avoid media if that helps in ensuring better mental health. <o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

"It is high time we acknowledge the issue of mental health in sports. More so in individual sports. In cricket, a coach or a senior player can be a backup option for a captain but not in tennis. Let's be sensitive, players in their weak moments should be allowed to avoid the media," tweeted Kaif.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-osaka-reveals-bouts-of-depression-after-shock-french-open-withdrawal-388742" hreflang="en">Tennis: Osaka reveals 'bouts of depression' after shock French Open withdrawal</a>

<o:p></o:p>

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It's high time we acknowledge the issue of mental health in sports. More so in individual sports. In cricket, a coach or a senior player can be a back up option for a captain but not in tennis. Let's be sensitive, players in their weak moments should be allowed to avoid media.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) <a href="https://twitter.com/MohammadKaif/status/1399620207241428992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the Indian women’s team will depart for their tour of the UK on June 2 as they gear up to take on England in a one-off Test, three ODIs, and as many T20Is, starting June 16.<o:p></o:p>

Indian women’s Test and ODI skipper Mithali Raj on Tuesday reacted to the ongoing episode surrounding tennis player Naomi Osaka boycotting media engagements citing anxiety issues.

Indian women’s Test and ODI skipper Mithali Raj on Tuesday reacted to the ongoing episode surrounding tennis player Naomi Osaka boycotting media engagements citing anxiety issues. Mithali opined that she never felt the need to boycott media as women’s cricket needs media support. Osaka on Tuesday pulled out of the ongoing French Open to take care of her mental health following a massive fall-out as the Japanese tennis star had decided to boycott press conferences during the Grand Slam. Osaka had said she goes through anxiety before facing the world media. Osaka is the world's highest-earning female athlete, making $37.4 million in 2020. She burst onto the scene in 2018 with a maiden Slam win at the US Open. Women's cricket needs media support: Mithali Raj "Well, I think it is tough to be in quarantine for any athlete. But, I think getting into a tournament, we do not feel that. Personally, I have not felt that I should forgo a press conference because women's cricket right now where it stands, it needs media support and it is important for players also to sort of try and help in the growth of the sport. So we need to try to promote the sport," said Mithali during a virtual press conference. ALSO READ: Cricket: 'Ramesh Powar will help in giving required push to the team': Harmanpreet Kaur Many have come forward to support Osaka’s stance of protecting and taking care of her mental health including superstars like Serena Williams. pic.twitter.com/LN2ANnoAYD — NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) May 31, 2021 × Even former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif on Tuesday said players from different sports should have the choice to avoid media if that helps in ensuring better mental health. "It is high time we acknowledge the issue of mental health in sports. More so in individual sports. In cricket, a coach or a senior player can be a backup option for a captain but not in tennis. Let's be sensitive, players in their weak moments should be allowed to avoid the media," tweeted Kaif. ALSO READ: Tennis: Osaka reveals 'bouts of depression' after shock French Open withdrawal It's high time we acknowledge the issue of mental health in sports. More so in individual sports. In cricket, a coach or a senior player can be a back up option for a captain but not in tennis. Let's be sensitive, players in their weak moments should be allowed to avoid media. — Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) June 1, 2021 × Meanwhile, the Indian women’s team will depart for their tour of the UK on June 2 as they gear up to take on England in a one-off Test, three ODIs, and as many T20Is, starting June 16.

Women's cricket needs media support: India's Mithali Raj opines on Naomi Osaka controversy