<p>Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant and opening batter Prithvi Shaw all took to social media to cheer for the Indian women's cricket team ahead of their World Cup campaign opener against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday.</p>

<p>They also urged fans to come out and show their support to the Women in Blue during their World Cup 2022 campaign.</p>

<p>The Women's 50-over World Cup begins as New Zealand take on the West Indies on March 4 before all eight teams play each other once to decide the top four, with the winner crowned in Christchurch on April 3.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-day-hardik-starts-bowling-hell-pip-iyer-for-the-all-rounders-slot-for-t20-world-cup-aakash-chopra-458204">The day Hardik starts bowling, he'll pip Iyer for the all-rounder's slot for T20 World Cup: Aakash Chopra</a></p>

<p>Virat Kohli on Instagram wrote: "No better time to cheer for the #WomenInBlue and show the strength of #HamaraBlueBandhan than this, 'cause it's time for the ICC Women's World Cup 2022! So set your alarms for 6.30 AM on Mar 6, 2022 &amp; watch #PAKvIND on @starsportsindia &amp; Disney+Hotstar | ICC #CWC22."</p>

<p>Rohit Sharma posted the Star Sports campaign video #HamaraBlueBandhan on his Instagram Reels.</p>

<p>Rishabh Pant posted: "The #WomenInBlue are on a mission at the ICC Women`s World Cup 2022. Join me to show your support for #HamaraBlueBandhan. Let's go. #TeamIndia."</p>

<p>Prithvi Shaw posted: "ICC Women's World Cup 2022 is here! I'm ready to show the strength of #HamaraBlueBandhan and cheer for #WomenInBlue as they take on #Pak in ICC #CWC22! Are you ready too?"</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-t20i-rankings-shreyas-iyer-achieves-huge-jump-after-sl-series-virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-out-of-top-10-458106">ICC T20I Rankings: Shreyas Iyer achieves huge jump after SL series; Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma out of top 10</a></p>

<p>The 12th edition of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup and the third one, after 1982 and 2000, to be held in New Zealand will be played from March 4 to April 3 in six different cities - Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Tauranga and Wellington.</p>

<p>Eight teams - Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and West Indies - will lock horns in a 31-match tournament with the final in Christchurch on April 3.</p>


Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant and opening batter Prithvi Shaw all took to social media to cheer for the Indian women's cricket team ahead of their World Cup campaign opener against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant and opening batter Prithvi Shaw all took to social media to cheer for the Indian women's cricket team ahead of their World Cup campaign opener against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday. They also urged fans to come out and show their support to the Women in Blue during their World Cup 2022 campaign. The Women's 50-over World Cup begins as New Zealand take on the West Indies on March 4 before all eight teams play each other once to decide the top four, with the winner crowned in Christchurch on April 3. ALSO READ: The day Hardik starts bowling, he'll pip Iyer for the all-rounder's slot for T20 World Cup: Aakash Chopra Virat Kohli on Instagram wrote: "No better time to cheer for the #WomenInBlue and show the strength of #HamaraBlueBandhan than this, 'cause it's time for the ICC Women's World Cup 2022! So set your alarms for 6.30 AM on Mar 6, 2022 & watch #PAKvIND on @starsportsindia & Disney+Hotstar | ICC #CWC22." Rohit Sharma posted the Star Sports campaign video #HamaraBlueBandhan on his Instagram Reels. Rishabh Pant posted: "The #WomenInBlue are on a mission at the ICC Women`s World Cup 2022. Join me to show your support for #HamaraBlueBandhan. Let's go. #TeamIndia." Prithvi Shaw posted: "ICC Women's World Cup 2022 is here! I'm ready to show the strength of #HamaraBlueBandhan and cheer for #WomenInBlue as they take on #Pak in ICC #CWC22! Are you ready too?" ALSO READ: ICC T20I Rankings: Shreyas Iyer achieves huge jump after SL series; Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma out of top 10 The 12th edition of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup and the third one, after 1982 and 2000, to be held in New Zealand will be played from March 4 to April 3 in six different cities - Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Tauranga and Wellington. Eight teams - Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and West Indies - will lock horns in a 31-match tournament with the final in Christchurch on April 3.

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma cheer for Team India ahead of Women's ODI World Cup

<p>India skipper Mithali Raj on Saturday confirmed that Harmanpreet Kaur will serve as her deputy in the upcoming Women's 50-over World Cup.</p>

<p>In the last two ODIs against New Zealand, Deepti Sharma donned the hat of vice-captain.</p>

<p>Harmanpreet did not play the fourth ODI, while she did make a comeback in the final ODI, Deepti stayed on as the vice-captain.</p>

<p>"Deepti being picked as the vice-captain for the last two ODIs was the choice of the selectors and the BCCI. Harmanpreet is the vice-captain for the World Cup," said Mithali during a virtual press conference.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indvssl-when-and-where-to-watch-india-vs-sri-lanka-2nd-t20i-ist-time-and-streaming-details-456763">INDvsSL: When and where to watch India vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I - IST time and streaming details</a></p>

<p>The Women's World Cup will be played in New Zealand from March 4-April 3.</p>

<p>India will play their first match of the tournament on March 6 against Pakistan.</p>

<p>With her vast experience at World Cups, the India captain has also been passing on her wisdom to those set to make their debut.</p>

<p>"The only advice I would tell the young players is to enjoy the big stage because if you pile up the pressure you may not be playing the best that the team and you would want to do in the World Cup," she added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/best-batsman-bats-there-with-no-pujara-gavaskar-wants-star-indian-player-to-take-no-3-spot-in-tests-456735">Best batsman bats there: With no Pujara, Gavaskar wants star Indian player to take No. 3 spot in Tests</a></p>

<p>"The batting department has come together, the bowling unit has taken a bit of time, we did not have a camp in India because of the rising COVID-19 cases, so this series against New Zealand was important in terms of preparation for the World Cup," she added.</p>

<p>India had last suffered a 1-4 series defeat against New Zealand in the five-match ODI series.</p>


India skipper Mithali Raj on Saturday confirmed that Harmanpreet Kaur will serve as her deputy in the upcoming Women's 50-over World Cup. In the last two ODIs against New Zealand, Deepti Sharma donned the hat of vice-captain.

India skipper Mithali Raj on Saturday confirmed that Harmanpreet Kaur will serve as her deputy in the upcoming Women's 50-over World Cup. In the last two ODIs against New Zealand, Deepti Sharma donned the hat of vice-captain. Harmanpreet did not play the fourth ODI, while she did make a comeback in the final ODI, Deepti stayed on as the vice-captain. "Deepti being picked as the vice-captain for the last two ODIs was the choice of the selectors and the BCCI. Harmanpreet is the vice-captain for the World Cup," said Mithali during a virtual press conference. ALSO READ: INDvsSL: When and where to watch India vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I - IST time and streaming details The Women's World Cup will be played in New Zealand from March 4-April 3. India will play their first match of the tournament on March 6 against Pakistan. With her vast experience at World Cups, the India captain has also been passing on her wisdom to those set to make their debut. "The only advice I would tell the young players is to enjoy the big stage because if you pile up the pressure you may not be playing the best that the team and you would want to do in the World Cup," she added. ALSO READ: Best batsman bats there: With no Pujara, Gavaskar wants star Indian player to take No. 3 spot in Tests "The batting department has come together, the bowling unit has taken a bit of time, we did not have a camp in India because of the rising COVID-19 cases, so this series against New Zealand was important in terms of preparation for the World Cup," she added. India had last suffered a 1-4 series defeat against New Zealand in the five-match ODI series.

Harmanpreet Kaur will be India's vice-captain for ODI World Cup, confirms skipper Mithali Raj

From Smriti Mandhana to Jhulan Goswami: 5 players who hold key for Mithali Raj's India in ODI World Cup

<p>Half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur and Mithali Raj helped India avoid a series whitewash by registering a six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the fifth and final ODI here on Thursday.<br />
<br />
Mandhana (71 from 84 deliveries) and Harmanpreet (63 from 66) helped pace India`s run chase and Mithali (54 not out from 66) provided the finishing touches, as the visitors successfully chased down New Zealand`s handy total of 251/9 with four overs remaining.<br />
<br />
It was India`s only victory of the five-match ODI series, with New Zealand claiming a 4-1 series triumph ahead of the ICC Women`s Cricket World Cup next month, according to a report on ICC`s official website.<br />
<br />
With skipper Sophie Devine (34) and in-form batter Amelia Kerr (66) scoring with ease early in proceedings, it looked like the Kiwis were on track to set India an even larger target for victory.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-odi-world-cup-teams-hit-by-covid-can-field-9-players-says-icc-455926">Women's ODI World Cup teams hit by COVID can field 9 players, says ICC</a></strong></p>

<p>But India`s spinners helped put the clamps on the hosts during the middle overs, with Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2/61), Deepti Sharma (2/42) and Sneh Rana (2/40) picking up six wickets between them to ensure the home side could only scramble past 250 in their final over.<br />
<br />
Smriti got on top of the New Zealand bowlers early in the reply, putting the loss of fellow opener Shafali Verma (9) behind her to ensure India stayed well inside the required run rate.<br />
<br />
When Smriti fell in the 29th over it provided New Zealand a glimmer of hope, but Harmanpreet steadied the ship with an excellent knock that put the victory target within sight.<br />
<br />
While Harmanpreet fell to Hannah Rowe in the 43rd over, it was too little too late as Mithali ensured the visitors cruised home to avoid an embarrassing series whitewash.<br />
<br />
<strong>Brief scores:<br />
<br />
New Zealand Women</strong> 251/9 in 50 overs (Amelia Kerr 66, Sophie Davine (34); Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2/61), Deepti Sharma (2/42), Sneh Rana (2/40) lost to <strong>India Women</strong> 252/4 off 46 overs (Smriti Mandhana 71, Harmanpreet Kaur (63) and Mithali Raj 54 not out; Hannah Rowe 1/41) by six wickets.</p>


Half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur and Mithali Raj helped India avoid a series whitewash by registering a six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the fifth and final ODI here on Thursday.

Half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur and Mithali Raj helped India avoid a series whitewash by registering a six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the fifth and final ODI here on Thursday. Mandhana (71 from 84 deliveries) and Harmanpreet (63 from 66) helped pace India`s run chase and Mithali (54 not out from 66) provided the finishing touches, as the visitors successfully chased down New Zealand`s handy total of 251/9 with four overs remaining. It was India`s only victory of the five-match ODI series, with New Zealand claiming a 4-1 series triumph ahead of the ICC Women`s Cricket World Cup next month, according to a report on ICC`s official website. With skipper Sophie Devine (34) and in-form batter Amelia Kerr (66) scoring with ease early in proceedings, it looked like the Kiwis were on track to set India an even larger target for victory. ALSO READ | Women's ODI World Cup teams hit by COVID can field 9 players, says ICC But India`s spinners helped put the clamps on the hosts during the middle overs, with Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2/61), Deepti Sharma (2/42) and Sneh Rana (2/40) picking up six wickets between them to ensure the home side could only scramble past 250 in their final over. Smriti got on top of the New Zealand bowlers early in the reply, putting the loss of fellow opener Shafali Verma (9) behind her to ensure India stayed well inside the required run rate. When Smriti fell in the 29th over it provided New Zealand a glimmer of hope, but Harmanpreet steadied the ship with an excellent knock that put the victory target within sight. While Harmanpreet fell to Hannah Rowe in the 43rd over, it was too little too late as Mithali ensured the visitors cruised home to avoid an embarrassing series whitewash. Brief scores: New Zealand Women 251/9 in 50 overs (Amelia Kerr 66, Sophie Davine (34); Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2/61), Deepti Sharma (2/42), Sneh Rana (2/40) lost to India Women 252/4 off 46 overs (Smriti Mandhana 71, Harmanpreet Kaur (63) and Mithali Raj 54 not out; Hannah Rowe 1/41) by six wickets.

NZ v IND: Smriti, Harman, Mithali's fifties help India avoid series whitewash, win 5th ODI by 6 wickets

<p>Mithali Raj-led Indian&nbsp;team will face New Zealand in the fifth and final ODI on Thursday (February 24). So far, the visitors have been winless in their tour Down Under ahead of the forthcoming ODI World Cup. Thus, Mithali &amp; Co. will be eager to sign off on a high and prevent a series whitewash prior to the mega event.</p>

<p>The Indian women's team have looked good in patches, however, they have failed to keep up the momentum throughout a single game and are starring on the brink of a 5-0 scoreline. In the rain-marred fourth and penultimate ODI, India invited the hosts to bat first in a 20-over aside contest. Chasing 192, India were all-out for 128 to lose by 63 runs.</p>

<p>Thus, the fifth and final ODI will give the Indian eves another chance to revamp and put up a good show before the focus shifts to the World Cup. Meanwhile, the White Ferns will aim to go for the kill and also test some other players who have not appeared in the first four games.</p>

<p><strong>Here is everything you need to know about the match - date, IST, streaming details, etc.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>When is the India Women&nbsp;vs New Zealand Women 5th ODI match taking place?</strong></p>

<p>India Women vs New Zealand Women&nbsp;5th ODI is set to take place on February 24, 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Where is the India Women vs New Zealand Women 5th ODI&nbsp;taking place?</strong></p>

<p>India Women vs New Zealand Women&nbsp;5th ODI&nbsp;will take place at the&nbsp;John Davies Oval in Queenstown.</p>

<p><strong>At what time is the India women vs New Zealand women 5th ODI taking place?</strong></p>

<p>India Women vs New Zealand Women&nbsp;5th ODI&nbsp;will commence&nbsp;at 3:30 AM&nbsp;IST.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/amelia-kerr-hayley-jensen-star-as-new-zealand-crush-india-by-63-runs-take-4-0-lead-455371">Amelia Kerr, Hayley Jensen star as New Zealand crush India by 63 runs, take 4-0 lead</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>How to watch India Women vs New Zealand Women&nbsp;5th ODI live on TV?</strong></p>

<p>India Women vs New Zealand Women 5th ODI&nbsp;will not be telecasted live on TV.</p>

<p><strong>How to watch India Women vs New Zealand Women 5th ODI live streaming?</strong></p>

<p>India Women vs New Zealand Women&nbsp;5th ODI&nbsp;will be on the Amazon Prime Video&nbsp;application.</p>


Mithali Raj-led Indian team will face New Zealand in the fifth and final ODI on Thursday (February 24). So far, the visitors have been winless in their tour Down Under ahead of the forthcoming ODI World Cup.

Mithali Raj-led Indian team will face New Zealand in the fifth and final ODI on Thursday (February 24). So far, the visitors have been winless in their tour Down Under ahead of the forthcoming ODI World Cup. Thus, Mithali & Co. will be eager to sign off on a high and prevent a series whitewash prior to the mega event. The Indian women's team have looked good in patches, however, they have failed to keep up the momentum throughout a single game and are starring on the brink of a 5-0 scoreline. In the rain-marred fourth and penultimate ODI, India invited the hosts to bat first in a 20-over aside contest. Chasing 192, India were all-out for 128 to lose by 63 runs. Thus, the fifth and final ODI will give the Indian eves another chance to revamp and put up a good show before the focus shifts to the World Cup. Meanwhile, the White Ferns will aim to go for the kill and also test some other players who have not appeared in the first four games. Here is everything you need to know about the match - date, IST, streaming details, etc. When is the India Women vs New Zealand Women 5th ODI match taking place? India Women vs New Zealand Women 5th ODI is set to take place on February 24, 2022. Where is the India Women vs New Zealand Women 5th ODI taking place? India Women vs New Zealand Women 5th ODI will take place at the John Davies Oval in Queenstown. At what time is the India women vs New Zealand women 5th ODI taking place? India Women vs New Zealand Women 5th ODI will commence at 3:30 AM IST. ALSO READ | Amelia Kerr, Hayley Jensen star as New Zealand crush India by 63 runs, take 4-0 lead How to watch India Women vs New Zealand Women 5th ODI live on TV? India Women vs New Zealand Women 5th ODI will not be telecasted live on TV. How to watch India Women vs New Zealand Women 5th ODI live streaming? India Women vs New Zealand Women 5th ODI will be on the Amazon Prime Video application.

INDvsNZ: When and where to watch India Women vs New Zealand Women 5th ODI match?

<p>India skipper Mithali Raj expressed disappointment after her side was beaten by New Zealand in the fourth ODI of the five-match series here at the John Davies Oval, Queenstown on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Amelia Kerr's 68-run knock was followed up by a dominant bowling performance as New Zealand defeated India by 63 runs. The fourth ODI was curtailed to 20-overs per side due to rain.</p>

<p>"We have definitely been trying few compositions with our spin and seam attack. But to be honest the bowling is a bit of concern before the World Cup. We want all our main bowlers to get their rhythm," said Mithali after the game.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/senior-player-wants-ajit-agarkar-to-replace-paras-mhambrey-as-bowling-coach-of-indian-team-report-455316">Senior player wants Ajit Agarkar to replace Paras Mhambrey as bowling coach of Indian team - Report</a></p>

<p>"We are adapting to the conditions but there are spells where the bowlers have bowled well but we are not consistent and it is something that we are looking to improve. I was just looking at the shots and the way she (Richa) went about her batting, she is very talented and the future for India," she added.</p>

<p>Chasing 192, India got off to the worst start possible as the side lost Shafali Verma (0), Yastika Bhatia (0) and Pooja Vastrakar (4) in quick succession and they were reduced to 12/3 in the third over.</p>

<p>Soon after, Smriti Mandhana (13) was sent back to the pavilion by Hayley Jensen and India were in a spot of bother at 19/4 in the fifth over.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-richa-ghosh-slams-fastest-fifty-by-an-indian-in-womens-odis-455287">Ind vs NZ: Richa Ghosh slams fastest fifty by an Indian in women's ODIs</a></p>

<p>Richa Ghosh and Mithali Raj then got together at the crease and revived the Indian innings. Ghosh brought up her fifty off just 26 balls and as a result, she registered the fastest fifty by an Indian batter in Women's ODIs.</p>

<p>However, the 18-year-old departed after playing a knock of 52 in the 13th over and India was reduced to 96/5. India was not able to recover from this blow, and in the end, New Zealand registered a comfortable win.</p>

<p>With this win, New Zealand has gained a 4-0 lead in the five-match series. The final ODI will now be played on Thursday.</p>


India skipper Mithali Raj expressed disappointment after her side was beaten by New Zealand in the fourth ODI of the five-match series here at the John Davies Oval, Queenstown on Tuesday.

India skipper Mithali Raj expressed disappointment after her side was beaten by New Zealand in the fourth ODI of the five-match series here at the John Davies Oval, Queenstown on Tuesday. Amelia Kerr's 68-run knock was followed up by a dominant bowling performance as New Zealand defeated India by 63 runs. The fourth ODI was curtailed to 20-overs per side due to rain. "We have definitely been trying few compositions with our spin and seam attack. But to be honest the bowling is a bit of concern before the World Cup. We want all our main bowlers to get their rhythm," said Mithali after the game. ALSO READ: Senior player wants Ajit Agarkar to replace Paras Mhambrey as bowling coach of Indian team - Report "We are adapting to the conditions but there are spells where the bowlers have bowled well but we are not consistent and it is something that we are looking to improve. I was just looking at the shots and the way she (Richa) went about her batting, she is very talented and the future for India," she added. Chasing 192, India got off to the worst start possible as the side lost Shafali Verma (0), Yastika Bhatia (0) and Pooja Vastrakar (4) in quick succession and they were reduced to 12/3 in the third over. Soon after, Smriti Mandhana (13) was sent back to the pavilion by Hayley Jensen and India were in a spot of bother at 19/4 in the fifth over. ALSO READ: Ind vs NZ: Richa Ghosh slams fastest fifty by an Indian in women's ODIs Richa Ghosh and Mithali Raj then got together at the crease and revived the Indian innings. Ghosh brought up her fifty off just 26 balls and as a result, she registered the fastest fifty by an Indian batter in Women's ODIs. However, the 18-year-old departed after playing a knock of 52 in the 13th over and India was reduced to 96/5. India was not able to recover from this blow, and in the end, New Zealand registered a comfortable win. With this win, New Zealand has gained a 4-0 lead in the five-match series. The final ODI will now be played on Thursday.

India skipper Mithali Raj expresses concerns about team's bowling ahead of ODI World Cup

<p>India women`s team ODI series against New Zealand will now begin on February 12, said New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Friday. As per the now revised schedule, the first of the five ODIs will begin from February 12, a day later than the original date.<br />
<br />
"NZC has made changes to the dates of the KFC India Tour of NZ between the WHITE FERNS and India Women, to be played exclusively at John Davies Oval in Queenstown. The date of the first KFC T20I remains the same but there has been some adjustments made to the subsequent five-match KFC ODI series," read a statement from NZC.<br />
<br />
The change in date of first ODI also means that there is a change in the second and third ODI dates. The second ODI, originally scheduled for February 14, will now happen on February 15, while the third ODI will be played on February 18 instead of February 16. The dates of final two ODI matches for February 22 and 24 have been retained.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-announces-schedule-for-2022-womens-odi-world-cup-india-to-open-campaign-vs-pakistan-437058">ICC announces schedule for 2022 Women's ODI World Cup, India to open campaign vs Pakistan</a></strong></p>

<p>Originally, the series was to be played at three venues: McLean Park in Napier hosting the one-off T20I at and first ODI. It was to be followed by Saxton Oval in Nelson hosting the second and third ODIs and the last two ODIs to be played at John Davies Oval in Queenstown. But NZC moved the whole series to Queenstown last month in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19.<br />
<br />
The Indian team, led by Mithali Raj, had left for New Zealand from Mumbai on January 24 and are currently in Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) in Christchurch. After the series ends, India and New Zealand will move towards the ICC Women`s Cricket World Cup scheduled to run from March 4 to April 3.</p>


India women`s team ODI series against New Zealand will now begin on February 12, said New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Friday. As per the now revised schedule, the first of the five ODIs will begin from February 12, a day later than the original date.

India women`s team ODI series against New Zealand will now begin on February 12, said New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Friday. As per the now revised schedule, the first of the five ODIs will begin from February 12, a day later than the original date. "NZC has made changes to the dates of the KFC India Tour of NZ between the WHITE FERNS and India Women, to be played exclusively at John Davies Oval in Queenstown. The date of the first KFC T20I remains the same but there has been some adjustments made to the subsequent five-match KFC ODI series," read a statement from NZC. The change in date of first ODI also means that there is a change in the second and third ODI dates. The second ODI, originally scheduled for February 14, will now happen on February 15, while the third ODI will be played on February 18 instead of February 16. The dates of final two ODI matches for February 22 and 24 have been retained. ALSO READ | ICC announces schedule for 2022 Women's ODI World Cup, India to open campaign vs Pakistan Originally, the series was to be played at three venues: McLean Park in Napier hosting the one-off T20I at and first ODI. It was to be followed by Saxton Oval in Nelson hosting the second and third ODIs and the last two ODIs to be played at John Davies Oval in Queenstown. But NZC moved the whole series to Queenstown last month in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19. The Indian team, led by Mithali Raj, had left for New Zealand from Mumbai on January 24 and are currently in Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) in Christchurch. After the series ends, India and New Zealand will move towards the ICC Women`s Cricket World Cup scheduled to run from March 4 to April 3.

India women's ODI series vs New Zealand to commence on Feb 12 in revised schedule

<p>The International Cricket Council (ICC) has named two veteran players from the Indian women's cricket team in the ODI Team of the Year for 2021, on Thursday (January 20). Heather Knight has been selected as the team's captain.</p>

<p>However, no Indian were named in the ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year for 2021, which is led by Pakistan captain Babar Azam. Also, it was the first time since 2004 no Indian player made the Men's ODI team of the year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As part of the ICC Women's T20I Team of the Year for 2021, Smriti Mandhana was named the lone Indian.</p>

<p><strong>Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/sri-lanka-tour-of-australia-lankans-to-play-two-t20is-in-sydney-in-revised-series-schedule-446208">Sri Lanka tour of Australia: Lankans to play two T20Is in Sydney in revised series schedule</a></strong></p>

<p>In fact, Mithali Raj, the Indian captain and veteran batsman, compiled the same number of runs and finished with the exact average as Beaumont. However, the player didn't score a century this year but managed to shine with as many as six half-centuries.Her runs came when India were in dire straits, making her contribution even more significant.</p>

<p>Jhulan, on the other hand, continues to prove herself as a formidable opponent. The veteran player claimed 15 wickets in 2021 and maintained an impressive economy rate of 3.77. Any team can benefit from having an experienced bowler like her, who can keep runs under control along with picking wickets.</p>

<p>India will need Mithali and Jhulan to be at their best in order to win the upcoming Women's World Cup in 2022, which begins in March in New Zealand. The lead up to the season-ending event will feature a limited-overs series between India and New Zealand.</p>


The International Cricket Council (ICC) has named two veteran players from the Indian women's cricket team in the ODI Team of the Year for 2021, on Thursday (January 20).

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has named two veteran players from the Indian women's cricket team in the ODI Team of the Year for 2021, on Thursday (January 20). Heather Knight has been selected as the team's captain. However, no Indian were named in the ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year for 2021, which is led by Pakistan captain Babar Azam. Also, it was the first time since 2004 no Indian player made the Men's ODI team of the year. As part of the ICC Women's T20I Team of the Year for 2021, Smriti Mandhana was named the lone Indian. Read Also | Sri Lanka tour of Australia: Lankans to play two T20Is in Sydney in revised series schedule In fact, Mithali Raj, the Indian captain and veteran batsman, compiled the same number of runs and finished with the exact average as Beaumont. However, the player didn't score a century this year but managed to shine with as many as six half-centuries.Her runs came when India were in dire straits, making her contribution even more significant. Jhulan, on the other hand, continues to prove herself as a formidable opponent. The veteran player claimed 15 wickets in 2021 and maintained an impressive economy rate of 3.77. Any team can benefit from having an experienced bowler like her, who can keep runs under control along with picking wickets. India will need Mithali and Jhulan to be at their best in order to win the upcoming Women's World Cup in 2022, which begins in March in New Zealand. The lead up to the season-ending event will feature a limited-overs series between India and New Zealand.

ICC Women's ODI Team of the Year 2021 includes Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami

<p>Former captain Shantha Rangaswamy believes Smriti Mandhana is the best contender to lead India once ODI and Test skipper Mithali Raj retires after the Women's World Cup in New Zealand next year.</p>

<p>Harmanpreet Kaur has been the T20 captain since 2016, but her inconsistency as a batter makes her an unlikely replacement for Mithali in the longer forms. Mandhana, on the other hand, has established herself among&nbsp;one of the world's top batters.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-will-be-rohit-sharmas-deputy-in-odis-kl-rahul-rishabh-pant-in-contention-report-435381">Who will be Rohit Sharma's deputy in ODIs? KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant in contention: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>"Smriti is the ideal choice after Mithali retires. She has been an excellent performer for India and should be given the opportunity to lead the country,"&nbsp;Shantha, who guided India to their maiden Test victory in 1976, said according to PTI.<br />
<br />
Shantha, who is also a member of the BCCI Apex Council, believes Harmanpreet's batting has been impacted because of the burden of&nbsp;captaincy, which she believes is critical to India's success.</p>

<p>Mandhana, who has played four Tests, 62 ODIs, and 84 T20s, was last seen in Australia during the Women's Big Bash. In the cash-rich league, she also got a century against the Melbourne Renegades.</p>

<p>Harmanpreet, who has struggled with form and fitness over the previous year, also performed well in the Big Bash, and it remains to be seen if she can maintain that form at the top level.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-drops-a-bomb-rohit-sharma-replaces-virat-kohli-as-indias-odi-captain-ahead-of-sa-series-435208"><strong>BCCI drops a bomb! Rohit Sharma replaces Virat Kohli as India's ODI captain ahead of SA series</strong></a></p>

<p>Before&nbsp;the&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;in&nbsp;March-April,&nbsp;India&nbsp;will&nbsp;play&nbsp;an&nbsp;away&nbsp;series&nbsp;against&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand. For the unversed, India&nbsp;were&nbsp;the&nbsp;runners-up in the previous edition in 2017.</p>

<p>Shantha said the Women's Challenger, which concluded on Thursday (December 9), indicated that there is no shortage of talent in the country. "The event has unearthed a lot of talent which augurs well for women's cricket. It also shows that we are ready for a Women's IPL," she added.</p>


Former captain Shantha Rangaswamy believes Smriti Mandhana is the best contender to lead India once ODI and Test skipper Mithali Raj retires after the Women's World Cup in New Zealand next year.

Former captain Shantha Rangaswamy believes Smriti Mandhana is the best contender to lead India once ODI and Test skipper Mithali Raj retires after the Women's World Cup in New Zealand next year. Harmanpreet Kaur has been the T20 captain since 2016, but her inconsistency as a batter makes her an unlikely replacement for Mithali in the longer forms. Mandhana, on the other hand, has established herself among one of the world's top batters. ALSO READ: Who will be Rohit Sharma's deputy in ODIs? KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant in contention: Report "Smriti is the ideal choice after Mithali retires. She has been an excellent performer for India and should be given the opportunity to lead the country," Shantha, who guided India to their maiden Test victory in 1976, said according to PTI. Shantha, who is also a member of the BCCI Apex Council, believes Harmanpreet's batting has been impacted because of the burden of captaincy, which she believes is critical to India's success. Mandhana, who has played four Tests, 62 ODIs, and 84 T20s, was last seen in Australia during the Women's Big Bash. In the cash-rich league, she also got a century against the Melbourne Renegades. Harmanpreet, who has struggled with form and fitness over the previous year, also performed well in the Big Bash, and it remains to be seen if she can maintain that form at the top level. ALSO READ | BCCI drops a bomb! Rohit Sharma replaces Virat Kohli as India's ODI captain ahead of SA series Before the World Cup in March-April, India will play an away series against New Zealand. For the unversed, India were the runners-up in the previous edition in 2017. Shantha said the Women's Challenger, which concluded on Thursday (December 9), indicated that there is no shortage of talent in the country. "The event has unearthed a lot of talent which augurs well for women's cricket. It also shows that we are ready for a Women's IPL," she added.

Smriti Mandhana ideal candidate to succeed Mithali Raj after her retirement, says former Indian cricketer

From Neeraj Chopra to Mithali Raj: List of athletes who won Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021

<p>India's Test and One-Day International skipper Virat Kohli, who was conferred with Khel Ratna award in 2018, has congratulated all the winners of the National Sports Awards 2021. The versatile cricketer said that their excellence will inspire others to pursue their sporting passion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian President Ram Nath Kovind presented the Sports and Adventure Awards 2021, which included Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Awards-2021, Dronacharya Awards-2021, Arjuna Awards-2021, Dhyan Chand Awards-2021, Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar-2021, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy-2021 and Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awards-2020 on Saturday (November 13).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-neeraj-chopra-to-mithali-raj-list-of-athletes-who-won-major-dhyan-chand-khel-ratna-award-in-2021-429094">From Neeraj Chopra to Mithali Raj: List of athletes who won Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021</a></strong></p>

<p>When we talk about cricketers, Mithali Raj received Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, on the other hand, opening batter Shikhar Dhawan was awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra, wrestler Ravi Kumar, para shooter Avani Lekhara, footballer Sunil Chhetri and Mithali were among the 12 athletes who received Khel Ratna. Meanwhile, Dhawan, Tokyo 2020 Paralympics silver medallist Bhavina Patel were among the 35 athletes who received the prestigious Arjuna Award.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/women-in-sport-are-powerful-catalysts-of-change-says-mithali-raj-after-winning-khel-ratna-award-429148">'Women in sport are powerful catalysts of change,' says Mithali Raj after winning Khel Ratna Award</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A great moment of pride and congratulations to all the Khel Ratna, Arjuna, Dronacharya and Adventure award winners. Your excellence will inspire so many people to pursue their sporting passion. <a href="https://t.co/VybwDZy0vf">pic.twitter.com/VybwDZy0vf</a></p>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1459786453068615682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kohli, who recently led his team in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021, had stepped down as the captain of India's Twenty20 team. Although, he will continue to lead the team in One-Day Internationals and Test formats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India's T20 World Cup was unsuccessful as India bowed out of the tournament from the group stage. In the Super 12 stage, India lost to Pakistan (by 10 wickets) and New Zealand (eight wickets), then registered big wins against Afghanistan, Scotland and Namibia but it was not enough to book a semi-final berth.&nbsp;</p>


India's Test and One-Day International skipper Virat Kohli, who was conferred with Khel Ratna award in 2018, has congratulated all the winners of the National Sports Awards 2021.

India's Test and One-Day International skipper Virat Kohli, who was conferred with Khel Ratna award in 2018, has congratulated all the winners of the National Sports Awards 2021. The versatile cricketer said that their excellence will inspire others to pursue their sporting passion. Indian President Ram Nath Kovind presented the Sports and Adventure Awards 2021, which included Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Awards-2021, Dronacharya Awards-2021, Arjuna Awards-2021, Dhyan Chand Awards-2021, Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar-2021, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy-2021 and Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awards-2020 on Saturday (November 13). IN PICS | From Neeraj Chopra to Mithali Raj: List of athletes who won Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021 When we talk about cricketers, Mithali Raj received Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, on the other hand, opening batter Shikhar Dhawan was awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award. Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra, wrestler Ravi Kumar, para shooter Avani Lekhara, footballer Sunil Chhetri and Mithali were among the 12 athletes who received Khel Ratna. Meanwhile, Dhawan, Tokyo 2020 Paralympics silver medallist Bhavina Patel were among the 35 athletes who received the prestigious Arjuna Award. ALSO READ | 'Women in sport are powerful catalysts of change,' says Mithali Raj after winning Khel Ratna Award A great moment of pride and congratulations to all the Khel Ratna, Arjuna, Dronacharya and Adventure award winners. Your excellence will inspire so many people to pursue their sporting passion. pic.twitter.com/VybwDZy0vf — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) November 14, 2021 × Kohli, who recently led his team in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021, had stepped down as the captain of India's Twenty20 team. Although, he will continue to lead the team in One-Day Internationals and Test formats. India's T20 World Cup was unsuccessful as India bowed out of the tournament from the group stage. In the Super 12 stage, India lost to Pakistan (by 10 wickets) and New Zealand (eight wickets), then registered big wins against Afghanistan, Scotland and Namibia but it was not enough to book a semi-final berth.

'Your excellence will inspire so many people': Virat Kohli to National Sports Awards 2021 winners

<p>India's legendary cricketer Mithali Raj is "honoured and grateful" to receive the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award on Saturday (November 13). She was conferred with the prestigious award this year in recognition of her outstanding achievements in cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from Mithali, Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra, wrestler Ravi Kumar, para shooter Avani Lekhara, Indian football team skipper Sunil Chhetri were among the 12 athletes who were awarded.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She is the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket and the only woman cricketer to surpass the 7000-run mark in women's ODI matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-neeraj-chopra-to-mithali-raj-list-of-athletes-who-won-major-dhyan-chand-khel-ratna-award-in-2021-429094">From Neeraj Chopra to Mithali Raj: List of athletes who won Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021</a></strong></p>

<p>After receiving the honour, Mithali in a statement on Twitter said that the award is a validation of those hours and all the sacrifices a player makes in&nbsp;life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement further read: "When I was growing up and learning to play this amazing game, representing my country was my dream. I always wanted to wear the blue jersey, which represents the absolute pride we feel for our nation. One strives for mastery but there are so many variables and infinite parameters that when success comes by, it often is a result of hours of grind every day."</p>

<p>"I just wanted to give cricket everything I had and I think I am happy that it pushed me harder and harder to get to this momentous day. Today, I am honoured, proud and fortunate to be a part of Indian Cricket," she added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Truly honoured and grateful to receive the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/79HZOV9Uox">pic.twitter.com/79HZOV9Uox</a></p>
— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) <a href="https://twitter.com/M_Raj03/status/1459519148942188544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Women in sport are powerful catalysts of change and when they get the appreciation they deserve, it inspires change in several other women wanting to achieve their dreams. I sincerely hope that my journey inspires young girls all across the country to pursue their dreams and know that only when you dream can you make it happen," said Mithali.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">President Kovind confers Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, 2021 on Ms Mithali Raj in recognition of her outstanding achievements in Cricket.<br />
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· Highest run-scorer in Women's International Cricket<br />
· Only woman cricketer to surpass the 7000 run mark in Women's ODI matches <a href="https://t.co/oc3mpiUy8R">pic.twitter.com/oc3mpiUy8R</a></p>
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1459517587176361991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


India's legendary cricketer Mithali Raj is "honoured and grateful" to receive the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award on Saturday (November 13). She was conferred with the prestigious award this year in recognition of her outstanding achievements in cricket.

India's legendary cricketer Mithali Raj is "honoured and grateful" to receive the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award on Saturday (November 13). She was conferred with the prestigious award this year in recognition of her outstanding achievements in cricket. Apart from Mithali, Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra, wrestler Ravi Kumar, para shooter Avani Lekhara, Indian football team skipper Sunil Chhetri were among the 12 athletes who were awarded. She is the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket and the only woman cricketer to surpass the 7000-run mark in women's ODI matches. IN PICS | From Neeraj Chopra to Mithali Raj: List of athletes who won Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021 After receiving the honour, Mithali in a statement on Twitter said that the award is a validation of those hours and all the sacrifices a player makes in life. The statement further read: "When I was growing up and learning to play this amazing game, representing my country was my dream. I always wanted to wear the blue jersey, which represents the absolute pride we feel for our nation. One strives for mastery but there are so many variables and infinite parameters that when success comes by, it often is a result of hours of grind every day." "I just wanted to give cricket everything I had and I think I am happy that it pushed me harder and harder to get to this momentous day. Today, I am honoured, proud and fortunate to be a part of Indian Cricket," she added. Truly honoured and grateful to receive the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 🙏 pic.twitter.com/79HZOV9Uox — Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) November 13, 2021 × "Women in sport are powerful catalysts of change and when they get the appreciation they deserve, it inspires change in several other women wanting to achieve their dreams. I sincerely hope that my journey inspires young girls all across the country to pursue their dreams and know that only when you dream can you make it happen," said Mithali. President Kovind confers Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, 2021 on Ms Mithali Raj in recognition of her outstanding achievements in Cricket. · Highest run-scorer in Women's International Cricket · Only woman cricketer to surpass the 7000 run mark in Women's ODI matches pic.twitter.com/oc3mpiUy8R — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 13, 2021 ×

'Women in sport are powerful catalysts of change,' says Mithali Raj after winning Khel Ratna Award

<p>Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra, wrestler Ravi Kumar, para shooter Avani Lekhara, Indian football team skipper Sunil Chhetri and India women`s cricket stalwart Mithali Raj were among the 12 athletes who received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award on Saturday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Olympian Neeraj Chopra receives Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award from President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi <a href="https://t.co/eacGZNOB34">pic.twitter.com/eacGZNOB34</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1459477458936164353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The President of India Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday conferred National Sports Awards to the athletes.Lovlina Borgohain (Boxing), Sreejesh P.R (Hockey), Sumit Antil (Para Athletics), Pramod Bhagat (Para Badminton), Manish Narwal (Para Shooting), and Manpreet Singh (Hockey) are other athletes who were confered with the prestiguous award.Krishna Nagar (Para Badminton) was also slated to receive the Khel Ratna Award but had to miss the event after the sudden demise of his mother.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shikhar-dhawan-bhavina-patel-suhas-yathiraj-among-35-athletes-conferred-with-arjuna-award-429032">Shikhar Dhawan, Bhavina Patel, Suhas Yathiraj among 35 athletes conferred with Arjuna Award</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">President Ram Nath Kovind confers Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2021 on Pramod Bhagat (para-badminton), Mithali Raj (cricket), Sunil Chhetri (football), and Manpreet Singh (hockey) in New Delhi <a href="https://t.co/VvabvEtep9">pic.twitter.com/VvabvEtep9</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1459483442077331456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>All men`s Hockey India team who won the historic bronze medal in Tokyo 2020 Olympics has been awarded Arjun Award with the exceptions of PR Sreejesh and Manpreet Singh -- both awarded the Khel Ratna Award.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Boxer Lovlina Borgohain, hockey player Sreejesh PR, para shooter Avani Lekhara and para-athlete Sumit Antil receive Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in New Delhi <a href="https://t.co/zStSOrMqGe">pic.twitter.com/zStSOrMqGe</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1459481320015335430?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is given for the spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports by a sportsperson over a period of the previous four years.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Wrestler Ravi Kumar receives Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award from President Ram Nath Kovind in New Delhi <a href="https://t.co/INCMBNrIDr">pic.twitter.com/INCMBNrIDr</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1459478493486481410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The specially organised award function is being held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. National Sports Awards are given every year to recognise and reward excellence in sports.&nbsp;</p>


Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra, wrestler Ravi Kumar, para shooter Avani Lekhara, Indian football team skipper Sunil Chhetri and India women`s cricket stalwart Mithali Raj were among the 12 athletes who received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award on Saturday.

Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra, wrestler Ravi Kumar, para shooter Avani Lekhara, Indian football team skipper Sunil Chhetri and India women`s cricket stalwart Mithali Raj were among the 12 athletes who received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award on Saturday. Olympian Neeraj Chopra receives Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award from President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi pic.twitter.com/eacGZNOB34 — ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2021 × The President of India Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday conferred National Sports Awards to the athletes.Lovlina Borgohain (Boxing), Sreejesh P.R (Hockey), Sumit Antil (Para Athletics), Pramod Bhagat (Para Badminton), Manish Narwal (Para Shooting), and Manpreet Singh (Hockey) are other athletes who were confered with the prestiguous award.Krishna Nagar (Para Badminton) was also slated to receive the Khel Ratna Award but had to miss the event after the sudden demise of his mother. ALSO READ: Shikhar Dhawan, Bhavina Patel, Suhas Yathiraj among 35 athletes conferred with Arjuna Award President Ram Nath Kovind confers Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2021 on Pramod Bhagat (para-badminton), Mithali Raj (cricket), Sunil Chhetri (football), and Manpreet Singh (hockey) in New Delhi pic.twitter.com/VvabvEtep9 — ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2021 × All men`s Hockey India team who won the historic bronze medal in Tokyo 2020 Olympics has been awarded Arjun Award with the exceptions of PR Sreejesh and Manpreet Singh -- both awarded the Khel Ratna Award. Boxer Lovlina Borgohain, hockey player Sreejesh PR, para shooter Avani Lekhara and para-athlete Sumit Antil receive Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in New Delhi pic.twitter.com/zStSOrMqGe — ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2021 × Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is given for the spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports by a sportsperson over a period of the previous four years. #WATCH | Wrestler Ravi Kumar receives Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award from President Ram Nath Kovind in New Delhi pic.twitter.com/INCMBNrIDr — ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2021 × The specially organised award function is being held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. National Sports Awards are given every year to recognise and reward excellence in sports.

Neeraj Chopra, Mithali Raj, Sunil Chhetri, PR Sreejesh among 12 athletes conferred with Khel Ratna Award

<p>Indian athletes Neeraj Chopra, Ravi Dahiya and Lovlina Borgohain are set to be awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award.</p>

<p>Sources in the known of ANI revealed that Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award will be awarded to Neeraj Chopra, Ravi Dahiya, Lovlina Borgohain, PR Sreejesh, Avani Lekhara, Sumit Antil, Pramod Bhagat, Krishna Nagar, Manish Narwal, Mithali Raj, and Sunil Chhetri.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/international-olympic-committee-to-cut-greenhouse-gas-emissions-by-50-by-2030-423531">International Olympic Committee to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030</a></strong></p>

<p>Apart from this, 35 players will be awarded the Arjuna Award. Among them are Yogesh Kathuniya, Nishad Kumar, Praveen Kumar, Suhas Yathiraj, Singhraj Adhana, Bhavina Patel, Harvinder Singh, and Sharad Kumar.</p>

<p>All men`s Hockey India team who has won the historic bronze medal in Tokyo 2020 Olympics has been awarded Arjun Award with the exceptions of PR Sreejesh and Manpreet Singh.</p>

<p>Arjuna Award winners from the hockey team are: Harmanpreet Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh, Surender Kumar, Amit Rohidas, Birendra Lakra, Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Nilakanta Sharma, Sumit, Shamsher Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Gurjant Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, and Mandeep Singh.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-are-in-talks-with-ioc-for-2036-olympics-motera-best-venue-ioa-chief-419483">We are in talks with IOC for 2036 Olympics, Motera best venue: IOA chief</a></strong></p>

<p>Dronacharya Award has been awarded to Radhakrishna Nair, TP Ouseph, Sandeep Sangwan among others.&nbsp;</p>


Indian athletes Neeraj Chopra, Ravi Dahiya and Lovlina Borgohain are set to be awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award. Sources in the known of ANI revealed that Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award will be awarded to Neeraj Chopra, Ravi Dahiya, Lovlina Borgohain, PR Sreejesh, Avani Lekhara, Sumit Antil, Pramod Bhagat, Krishna Nagar, Manish Narwal, Mithali Raj, and Sunil Chhetri.

Indian athletes Neeraj Chopra, Ravi Dahiya and Lovlina Borgohain are set to be awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award. Sources in the known of ANI revealed that Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award will be awarded to Neeraj Chopra, Ravi Dahiya, Lovlina Borgohain, PR Sreejesh, Avani Lekhara, Sumit Antil, Pramod Bhagat, Krishna Nagar, Manish Narwal, Mithali Raj, and Sunil Chhetri. ALSO READ: International Olympic Committee to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 Apart from this, 35 players will be awarded the Arjuna Award. Among them are Yogesh Kathuniya, Nishad Kumar, Praveen Kumar, Suhas Yathiraj, Singhraj Adhana, Bhavina Patel, Harvinder Singh, and Sharad Kumar. All men`s Hockey India team who has won the historic bronze medal in Tokyo 2020 Olympics has been awarded Arjun Award with the exceptions of PR Sreejesh and Manpreet Singh. Arjuna Award winners from the hockey team are: Harmanpreet Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh, Surender Kumar, Amit Rohidas, Birendra Lakra, Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Nilakanta Sharma, Sumit, Shamsher Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Gurjant Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, and Mandeep Singh. ALSO READ: We are in talks with IOC for 2036 Olympics, Motera best venue: IOA chief Dronacharya Award has been awarded to Radhakrishna Nair, TP Ouseph, Sandeep Sangwan among others.

Neeraj Chopra, Ravi Dahiya, Mithali Raj likely to be conferred with Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award

<p>Australia's captain Meg Lanning said that&nbsp;the Indian team tested and pushed the hosts during the multi-format series.</p>

<p>In the third and final T20I here at the Metricon Stadium in Carrara on Sunday, Australia dealt India a devastating blow, as the visitors failed to conclude the tour on a high note, losing by 14 runs.</p>

<p>Australia won the multi-format series 11-5 with this victory. After a strong effort by Australian bowlers, India were unable to chase down the score of 150 in the allocated 20 overs.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/smriti-mandhanas-fifty-in-vain-as-india-suffer-14-run-defeat-in-3rd-t20i-against-australia-lose-series-0-2-419658">Smriti Mandhana's fifty in vain as India suffer 14-run defeat in 3rd T20I against Australia, lose series 0-2</a></strong></p>

<p>"We were looking forward to today, knew India would come back hard. Been a great series, both sides have had momentum. India have really tested us and given us a great challenge," after the victory, Lanning remarked.</p>

<p>&nbsp;"Tahlia McGrath, Player of the Series, is a great effort to dominate the series and a number of young players have contributed at different times," she added.</p>

<p>Nicola Carey took two wickets, and Ashleigh Gardner, Georgia Wareham, and Annabel Sutherland each took one. Smriti Mandhana, India's opener, had a 52-run innings.</p>


Australia's captain Meg Lanning said that the Indian team tested and pushed the hosts during the multi-format series. In the third and final T20I here at the Metricon Stadium in Carrara on Sunday, Australia dealt India a devastating blow, as the visitors failed to conclude the tour on a high note, losing by 14 runs.

Australia's captain Meg Lanning said that the Indian team tested and pushed the hosts during the multi-format series. In the third and final T20I here at the Metricon Stadium in Carrara on Sunday, Australia dealt India a devastating blow, as the visitors failed to conclude the tour on a high note, losing by 14 runs. Australia won the multi-format series 11-5 with this victory. After a strong effort by Australian bowlers, India were unable to chase down the score of 150 in the allocated 20 overs. ALSO READ: Smriti Mandhana's fifty in vain as India suffer 14-run defeat in 3rd T20I against Australia, lose series 0-2 "We were looking forward to today, knew India would come back hard. Been a great series, both sides have had momentum. India have really tested us and given us a great challenge," after the victory, Lanning remarked. "Tahlia McGrath, Player of the Series, is a great effort to dominate the series and a number of young players have contributed at different times," she added. Nicola Carey took two wickets, and Ashleigh Gardner, Georgia Wareham, and Annabel Sutherland each took one. Smriti Mandhana, India's opener, had a 52-run innings.

Aus W v Ind W: India really tested us and gave us a great challenge, says Meg Lanning

<p>Meg Lanning, Australia's captain, confessed that the Indian squad placed the hosts on the back foot in the one-off pink-ball Test. As Mithali Raj and Lanning shook hands in the closing session of Day 4 at the Carrara Oval in Queensland on Sunday, the only Test match of India's tour of Australia concluded in a draw.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the post-match presentation, Lanning said, "We certainly came to win as did India. India played really well and put us on the back foot, we had to fight it out. They ran in hard and gave it their all. We fielded every day in this Test."</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pink-ball-test-indias-smriti-mandhana-rates-her-stunning-127-run-knock-in-as-top-three-against-australia-417945">Pink ball Test: India's Smriti Mandhana rates her stunning 127-run knock in as 'top three' against Australia</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The match was hindered by rain on many occasions, and Lanning believes that if it hadn't been for the weather, the pink-ball Test might have ended differently. "Without the weather, we would have got a result in four days," said Lanning.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Both teams will receive two points as a result of this tie. Following the ODIs and a Test, Australia leads India 6-4 in the multi-format series. Smriti Mandhana was great with the bat in the first innings, Shafali in the second, while Jhulan Goswami was outstanding with the ball in the pink-ball Test.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Ellyse Perry once again came to Australia's rescue with the bat, while Stella Campbell, making her debut, impressed with her determination to rush in and try at all times.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mithali-raj-led-india-dominate-australia-as-historic-pink-ball-test-ends-in-a-draw-417966">Mithali Raj-led India dominate Australia as historic pink-ball Test ends in a draw</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>


Meg Lanning, Australia's captain, confessed that the Indian squad placed the hosts on the back foot in the one-off pink-ball Test. As Mithali Raj and Lanning shook hands in the closing session of Day 4 at the Carrara Oval in Queensland on Sunday, the only Test match of India's tour of Australia concluded in a draw.

Meg Lanning, Australia's captain, confessed that the Indian squad placed the hosts on the back foot in the one-off pink-ball Test. As Mithali Raj and Lanning shook hands in the closing session of Day 4 at the Carrara Oval in Queensland on Sunday, the only Test match of India's tour of Australia concluded in a draw. During the post-match presentation, Lanning said, "We certainly came to win as did India. India played really well and put us on the back foot, we had to fight it out. They ran in hard and gave it their all. We fielded every day in this Test." Also Read: Pink ball Test: India's Smriti Mandhana rates her stunning 127-run knock in as 'top three' against Australia The match was hindered by rain on many occasions, and Lanning believes that if it hadn't been for the weather, the pink-ball Test might have ended differently. "Without the weather, we would have got a result in four days," said Lanning. Both teams will receive two points as a result of this tie. Following the ODIs and a Test, Australia leads India 6-4 in the multi-format series. Smriti Mandhana was great with the bat in the first innings, Shafali in the second, while Jhulan Goswami was outstanding with the ball in the pink-ball Test. Ellyse Perry once again came to Australia's rescue with the bat, while Stella Campbell, making her debut, impressed with her determination to rush in and try at all times. Also Read: Mithali Raj-led India dominate Australia as historic pink-ball Test ends in a draw

Pink ball Test: Australian skipper Meg Lanning praises Mithali Raj-led Team India

<p>Indian women's team put up a highly commendable performance, dominating Australia for the better part in its maiden Day/Night Test, which ended in a draw primarily due to inclement weather during the first two days.</p>

<p>Resuming the day at 143 for three, Ellyse Perry (68 not out) and Ashleigh Gardner (51) went on to share an 89-run stand before Indian pacers triggered the batting collapse, reducing Australia to 241 for nine from 208 for four.<br />
What followed was an interesting declaration from Meg Lanning at the stroke of dinner.</p>

<p>India, who made 377 in their first innings after being asked to bat, played 35 overs in second innings before declaring after tea to set Australia an improbable 272-run target in just 32 overs. Shafali Verma made a fine 52 off 91 balls while Punam remained unbeaten on 41 off 62 balls.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pink-ball-test-indias-smriti-mandhana-rates-her-stunning-127-run-knock-in-as-top-three-against-australia-417945">Pink ball Test: India's Smriti Mandhana rates her stunning 127-run knock in as 'top three' against Australia</a></p>

<p>The target was virtually out of reach for Australia who lost Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney cheaply. Australia were 36 for two in 15 overs before players of both teams shook hands to settle for a draw.</p>

<p>As per rules of multi-format series, both teams settled for two points. The series score stands at 6-4 in Australia's favour.<br />
More than 80 overs were lost due to weather over the first two days, making draw the most likely outcome of the four-day match.</p>

<p>On Twitter Australian Women Cricket Team handle tweeted:</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Love the contest!<br />
<br />
Catch you for the T20Is, <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCIWomen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCIWomen</a> 👊 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/NFsFpGOXbo">pic.twitter.com/NFsFpGOXbo</a></p>
— Australian Women's Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/AusWomenCricket/status/1444630204098355201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>India could have declared at tea with 242-run lead and 41 overs to bowl but they didn't want to leave anything to chance and took the safety-first approach.</p>

<p>India, who came into the game with only two practise sessions with pink-ball, outplayed the Australians in all departments. It was the first time in 15 years that two teams played a Test.</p>

<p>Smriti Mandhana struck a memorable hundred to set the foundation for India's big total before the pace trio of Jhulan Goswami, Meghna Singh and Pooja Vastrakar put the Australian batters under pressure.</p>

<p>It would be fair to say that the Indian fast bowlers got more out of the drop in pitch than their Australian counterparts.<br />
Debutant Meghna impressed with her swing bowing, 38-year-old Jhulan was relentless as usual and showed age was just a number and Pooja as first change provided no respite to the batter.</p>

<p>India reached 106 for two in their second innings at tea. First innings centurion Mandhana (31 off 48) fell to a fantastic catch in the deep by Ashleigh Garnder.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/issf-junior-world-championship-manu-bhaker-shines-as-four-golds-take-india-to-top-of-medal-standings-417884">ISSF Junior World Championship: Manu Bhaker shines as four golds take India to top of medal standings</a></strong></p>

<p>Yastika Bhatia (3) was then promoted to number three to push the scoring rate but she could only last 12 balls.<br />
In the first session, India pacers made the new pink ball talk before an under-pressure Australia made an interesting declaration.</p>

<p>In what seemed as an attempt to move the game forward, Meg Lanning declared the innings before her team could be bowled out.</p>

<p>While Deepti Sharma got rid of Gardner, Meghna once again troubled the batters with her outswingers as India took four wickets after the second new ball was taken in the 81st over.</p>

<p>Perry, who averages more than 78 in Test cricket, could have been out as many as three times but had the luck on her side. While one was a close leg-before shout, she was also dropped twice.</p>

<p>Meghna took her maiden wicket with a beautiful outswinger to have Annabel Sutherland caught behind. Her second wicket was Sophie Molineux, who was foxed by another outswinger (inswinger) to the left-hander.</p>

<p>Pooja had Georgia Wareham caught behind before offie Deepti took her second wicket of the day with an arm ball to dismiss Darcie Brown.</p>

<p>Brief Scores:<br />
India Women: 377 for 8 declared in 145 overs and 135/3 in 37 overs (Shafali Verma 52; Ashleigh Gardner 1/21, Sophie Molineux 1/23).</p>

<p>Australia Women: 241 for 9 declared in 96.4 overs (Ellyse Perry 68, Jhulan Goswami 2/33, Pooja Vastrakar 3/49) and 36/2 in 15 overs.</p>


Indian women's team put up a highly commendable performance, dominating Australia for the better part in its maiden Day/Night Test, which ended in a draw primarily due to inclement weather during the first two days.

Indian women's team put up a highly commendable performance, dominating Australia for the better part in its maiden Day/Night Test, which ended in a draw primarily due to inclement weather during the first two days. Resuming the day at 143 for three, Ellyse Perry (68 not out) and Ashleigh Gardner (51) went on to share an 89-run stand before Indian pacers triggered the batting collapse, reducing Australia to 241 for nine from 208 for four. What followed was an interesting declaration from Meg Lanning at the stroke of dinner. India, who made 377 in their first innings after being asked to bat, played 35 overs in second innings before declaring after tea to set Australia an improbable 272-run target in just 32 overs. Shafali Verma made a fine 52 off 91 balls while Punam remained unbeaten on 41 off 62 balls. Also Read: Pink ball Test: India's Smriti Mandhana rates her stunning 127-run knock in as 'top three' against Australia The target was virtually out of reach for Australia who lost Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney cheaply. Australia were 36 for two in 15 overs before players of both teams shook hands to settle for a draw. As per rules of multi-format series, both teams settled for two points. The series score stands at 6-4 in Australia's favour. More than 80 overs were lost due to weather over the first two days, making draw the most likely outcome of the four-day match. On Twitter Australian Women Cricket Team handle tweeted: Love the contest! Catch you for the T20Is, @BCCIWomen 👊 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/NFsFpGOXbo — Australian Women's Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) October 3, 2021 × India could have declared at tea with 242-run lead and 41 overs to bowl but they didn't want to leave anything to chance and took the safety-first approach. India, who came into the game with only two practise sessions with pink-ball, outplayed the Australians in all departments. It was the first time in 15 years that two teams played a Test. Smriti Mandhana struck a memorable hundred to set the foundation for India's big total before the pace trio of Jhulan Goswami, Meghna Singh and Pooja Vastrakar put the Australian batters under pressure. It would be fair to say that the Indian fast bowlers got more out of the drop in pitch than their Australian counterparts. Debutant Meghna impressed with her swing bowing, 38-year-old Jhulan was relentless as usual and showed age was just a number and Pooja as first change provided no respite to the batter. India reached 106 for two in their second innings at tea. First innings centurion Mandhana (31 off 48) fell to a fantastic catch in the deep by Ashleigh Garnder. ALSO READ | ISSF Junior World Championship: Manu Bhaker shines as four golds take India to top of medal standings Yastika Bhatia (3) was then promoted to number three to push the scoring rate but she could only last 12 balls. In the first session, India pacers made the new pink ball talk before an under-pressure Australia made an interesting declaration. In what seemed as an attempt to move the game forward, Meg Lanning declared the innings before her team could be bowled out. While Deepti Sharma got rid of Gardner, Meghna once again troubled the batters with her outswingers as India took four wickets after the second new ball was taken in the 81st over. Perry, who averages more than 78 in Test cricket, could have been out as many as three times but had the luck on her side. While one was a close leg-before shout, she was also dropped twice. Meghna took her maiden wicket with a beautiful outswinger to have Annabel Sutherland caught behind. Her second wicket was Sophie Molineux, who was foxed by another outswinger (inswinger) to the left-hander. Pooja had Georgia Wareham caught behind before offie Deepti took her second wicket of the day with an arm ball to dismiss Darcie Brown. Brief Scores: India Women: 377 for 8 declared in 145 overs and 135/3 in 37 overs (Shafali Verma 52; Ashleigh Gardner 1/21, Sophie Molineux 1/23). Australia Women: 241 for 9 declared in 96.4 overs (Ellyse Perry 68, Jhulan Goswami 2/33, Pooja Vastrakar 3/49) and 36/2 in 15 overs.

Mithali Raj-led India dominate Australia as historic pink-ball Test ends in a draw

<p>In a historic first, India women will play their first-ever pink-ball Test against Australia, beginning Thursday and the focus remains on how the batters will adjust to the moving ball in twilight conditions. The pink ball tends to skid more and it moves a lot under lights, and hence it would be interesting to see how the opening batters Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma adjust to the conditions.</p>

<p>Mithali Raj`s side will enter the Test with some momentum behind them as they were able to break Australia`s 26-match unbeaten run in ODIs after defeating the hosts in the final ODI by two wickets. Earlier this year, India had played their first Test in almost seven years, and owing to heroics by Sneh Rana, Mithali`s side was able to walk away with a famous draw. India and Australia had last played a Test in 2006 and 15 years later, both sides now find themselves on the cusp of playing a Test under lights. Australia has a potent pace attack and they are likely to trouble the Indian batters so it would be interesting to see whether the visiting camp has it in them to grind it out and play out a few tough hours on the pitch.</p>

<p>Harmanpreet Kaur had missed the ODI series due to an injury and it is not known whether she will play the Test or not. So in absence of an experienced middle-order, Mithali Raj once again holds the key. Deepti Sharma performed nicely in the Test against England, and hence she would look to continue with her form in the longest format.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jhulan-goswami-climbs-to-second-spot-in-latest-icc-odi-bowling-rankings-416601">Jhulan Goswami climbs to second spot in latest ICC ODI bowling rankings</a></strong></p>

<p>Jhulan Goswami is coming off a Player of the Match performance in the third ODI so she would enter the pink-ball contest with high confidence and it needs to be seen whether the likes of Meghna Singh, Pooja Vastrakar and Shikha Pandey are able to provide her with desired support at the other end.</p>

<p><strong>Australia squad: </strong>Meg Lanning (c), Darcie Brown, Maitlan Brown, Stella Campbell, Nicola Carey, Hannah Darlington, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Georgia Redmayne, Molly Strano, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham.</p>

<p><strong>India Test and ODI squad: </strong>Mithali Raj (c), Harmanpreet Kaur (vc), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Punam Raut, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Yastika Bhatia, Taniya Bhatia (wk), Shikha Pandey, Jhulan Goswami, Meghna Singh, Pooja Vastrakar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Poonam Yadav, Richa Ghosh, Ekta Bisht.</p>


In a historic first, India women will play their first-ever pink-ball Test against Australia, beginning Thursday and the focus remains on how the batters will adjust to the moving ball in twilight conditions.

In a historic first, India women will play their first-ever pink-ball Test against Australia, beginning Thursday and the focus remains on how the batters will adjust to the moving ball in twilight conditions. The pink ball tends to skid more and it moves a lot under lights, and hence it would be interesting to see how the opening batters Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma adjust to the conditions. Mithali Raj`s side will enter the Test with some momentum behind them as they were able to break Australia`s 26-match unbeaten run in ODIs after defeating the hosts in the final ODI by two wickets. Earlier this year, India had played their first Test in almost seven years, and owing to heroics by Sneh Rana, Mithali`s side was able to walk away with a famous draw. India and Australia had last played a Test in 2006 and 15 years later, both sides now find themselves on the cusp of playing a Test under lights. Australia has a potent pace attack and they are likely to trouble the Indian batters so it would be interesting to see whether the visiting camp has it in them to grind it out and play out a few tough hours on the pitch. Harmanpreet Kaur had missed the ODI series due to an injury and it is not known whether she will play the Test or not. So in absence of an experienced middle-order, Mithali Raj once again holds the key. Deepti Sharma performed nicely in the Test against England, and hence she would look to continue with her form in the longest format. ALSO READ | Jhulan Goswami climbs to second spot in latest ICC ODI bowling rankings Jhulan Goswami is coming off a Player of the Match performance in the third ODI so she would enter the pink-ball contest with high confidence and it needs to be seen whether the likes of Meghna Singh, Pooja Vastrakar and Shikha Pandey are able to provide her with desired support at the other end. Australia squad: Meg Lanning (c), Darcie Brown, Maitlan Brown, Stella Campbell, Nicola Carey, Hannah Darlington, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Georgia Redmayne, Molly Strano, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham. India Test and ODI squad: Mithali Raj (c), Harmanpreet Kaur (vc), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Punam Raut, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Yastika Bhatia, Taniya Bhatia (wk), Shikha Pandey, Jhulan Goswami, Meghna Singh, Pooja Vastrakar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Poonam Yadav, Richa Ghosh, Ekta Bisht.

Aus W vs Ind W: Focus on Shafali Verma, Mithali Raj as visitors gear up for first pink-ball Test

<p>Yastika Bhatia and Shafali Verma played knocks of 64 and 56 respectively as India defeated Australia by two wickets in the third and final ODI here at the Harrup Park on Sunday. With this defeat, Australia`s unbeaten 26-match run in ODI cricket came to an end. However, the hosts won the three-match ODI series by 2-1.</p>

<p>Chasing 265, India got off to a steady start as opening batters Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma put on 59 runs for the opening wicket. However, the stand did not last long as Ashleigh Gardner dismissed Mandhana (22) in the 11th over. Yastika Bhatia next joined Shafali in the middle and the duo did not let the momentum drop for the visitors.</p>

<p>Yastika was the aggressor of the two, while Shafali played the second fiddle. Both batters brought up their respective half-centuries as India was poised well in their chase at 153/1 by the end of the 28th over. A 101-run stand for the second wicket came to an end in the 30th over as Sophie Molineux bowled Shafali (56).Richa Ghosh (0) and Bhatia (64) fell shortly after and India was reduced to 180/4, still needing 85 runs to win from 96 balls.</p>

<p>Mithali Raj (16) and Pooja Vastrakar (3) departed in quick succession, and the hopes of India`s victory rested on Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana`s shoulders. Deepti was sent back to the pavilion after playing a knock of 31 runs, but Sneh Rana kept India in the game.</p>

<p>However, the right-hander was dismissed in the penultimate over after playing a knock of 30 runs and India needed 4 runs from the final over to register a win. Jhulan Goswami (8*) showed her experience to finally take the visitors over the line. Earlier, Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney played knocks of 67 and 52 respectively as Australia posted a total of 264/9.</p>

<p>Opting to bat, opening batters Rachael Haynes and Alyssa Healy put on 41 runs for the opening wicket, but this stand was broken in the ninth over as Jhulan Goswami dismissed Haynes (13).</p>

<p>Indian bowlers then managed to get on top of Australia as Meg Lanning (0), Healy (35), and Ellyse Perry (26) departed in a matter of few overs and the hosts were reduced to 87/4 in the 25th over.</p>

<p>Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner then got together at the crease and both helped the hosts in retrieving the innings. Both batters went past their respective 50-run mark and put up a fifth-wicket stand of 98 runs. India was finally able to break the partnership in the 40th over as Sneh Rana got the better of Mooney (52), reducing Australia to 185/5.</p>

<p>Gardner (67) was eventually sent back to the pavilion by Pooja Vastrakar in the 45th over and hopes of Australia reaching a score of more than 250 relied heavily on Tahlia McGrath. In the end, McGrath did not disappoint scoring 47 off just 32 balls, helping the hosts post a score of more than the 260-run mark. For India, Jhulan and Pooja scalped three wickets each.</p>

<p><strong>Brief Scores:</strong> Australia 264/9 (Ashleigh Gardner 67, Beth Mooney 52; Jhulan Goswami 3-37) vs India 266/8 (Yastika Bhatia 64, Shafali Verma 56, Annabel Sutherland 3-30).</p>


Yastika Bhatia and Shafali Verma played knocks of 64 and 56 respectively as India defeated Australia by two wickets in the third and final ODI here at the Harrup Park on Sunday.

Yastika Bhatia and Shafali Verma played knocks of 64 and 56 respectively as India defeated Australia by two wickets in the third and final ODI here at the Harrup Park on Sunday. With this defeat, Australia`s unbeaten 26-match run in ODI cricket came to an end. However, the hosts won the three-match ODI series by 2-1. Chasing 265, India got off to a steady start as opening batters Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma put on 59 runs for the opening wicket. However, the stand did not last long as Ashleigh Gardner dismissed Mandhana (22) in the 11th over. Yastika Bhatia next joined Shafali in the middle and the duo did not let the momentum drop for the visitors. Yastika was the aggressor of the two, while Shafali played the second fiddle. Both batters brought up their respective half-centuries as India was poised well in their chase at 153/1 by the end of the 28th over. A 101-run stand for the second wicket came to an end in the 30th over as Sophie Molineux bowled Shafali (56).Richa Ghosh (0) and Bhatia (64) fell shortly after and India was reduced to 180/4, still needing 85 runs to win from 96 balls. Mithali Raj (16) and Pooja Vastrakar (3) departed in quick succession, and the hopes of India`s victory rested on Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana`s shoulders. Deepti was sent back to the pavilion after playing a knock of 31 runs, but Sneh Rana kept India in the game. However, the right-hander was dismissed in the penultimate over after playing a knock of 30 runs and India needed 4 runs from the final over to register a win. Jhulan Goswami (8*) showed her experience to finally take the visitors over the line. Earlier, Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney played knocks of 67 and 52 respectively as Australia posted a total of 264/9. Opting to bat, opening batters Rachael Haynes and Alyssa Healy put on 41 runs for the opening wicket, but this stand was broken in the ninth over as Jhulan Goswami dismissed Haynes (13). Indian bowlers then managed to get on top of Australia as Meg Lanning (0), Healy (35), and Ellyse Perry (26) departed in a matter of few overs and the hosts were reduced to 87/4 in the 25th over. Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner then got together at the crease and both helped the hosts in retrieving the innings. Both batters went past their respective 50-run mark and put up a fifth-wicket stand of 98 runs. India was finally able to break the partnership in the 40th over as Sneh Rana got the better of Mooney (52), reducing Australia to 185/5. Gardner (67) was eventually sent back to the pavilion by Pooja Vastrakar in the 45th over and hopes of Australia reaching a score of more than 250 relied heavily on Tahlia McGrath. In the end, McGrath did not disappoint scoring 47 off just 32 balls, helping the hosts post a score of more than the 260-run mark. For India, Jhulan and Pooja scalped three wickets each. Brief Scores: Australia 264/9 (Ashleigh Gardner 67, Beth Mooney 52; Jhulan Goswami 3-37) vs India 266/8 (Yastika Bhatia 64, Shafali Verma 56, Annabel Sutherland 3-30).

Shafali, Yastika and Sneh shine as India end Australia's unbeaten 26-match run in ODIs

<p>Harleen Deol pulled off a breathtaking catch near the boundary in the first T20I game against England at Northampton. The cricketing fraternity all throughout considered her marvelous effort, which acquired her praise from all corners.&nbsp;</p>

<p>England were 166 for 4 in the 19th over when Amy Jones, batting on 43 off 26 balls, hit India's Shikha Pandey towards wide long-off. In the 19th over of England's batting, Amy Jones hit the ball towards long-off. Showing her games abilities, Harleen Deol hopped across the boundary rope, tossed the ball inside, and again jumped forward to finish probably the best gets at any point taken in women's cricket.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO&nbsp;READ:</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="Cricket: Harleen Deol takes a stunning catch to dismiss Amy Jones - WATCH">Cricket: Harleen Deol takes a stunning catch to dismiss Amy Jones - WATCH</a></p>

<p>The video of Harleen's catch was shared on the Government of India's Instagram profile which has effectively circulated around the web, gathering more than 700k views in 24 hours. On Saturday, PM Modi shared a video of the post as his Instagram story with an inscription, “Phenomenal! Well done @deol.harleen304.”</p>

<p><img alt="PM Modi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8fa84fa-466d-4ff9-87dc-01e680cb64cd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Capture%205555.PNG" /></p>

<p>While sharing the video via online media, the Government of India stated, "YOU ABSOLUTELY CANNOT MISS THIS! India's Harleen Deol took one of the most stunning catches in the history of women's cricket to dismiss England's Amy Jones during the 1st T20I at Northampton.&nbsp;Take a bow!”</p>

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<p>Amy Jones was England's second-best player in the match. She scored 43 runs in only 26 balls and looked set to finish her team innings on a high note before Harleen Deol's gigantic effort at long-off. England managed to score 177/7 out of 20 overs.</p>


Harleen Deol pulled off a breathtaking catch near the boundary in the first T20I game against England at Northampton. The cricketing fraternity all throughout considered her marvelous effort, which acquired her praise from all corners.

Harleen Deol pulled off a breathtaking catch near the boundary in the first T20I game against England at Northampton. The cricketing fraternity all throughout considered her marvelous effort, which acquired her praise from all corners. England were 166 for 4 in the 19th over when Amy Jones, batting on 43 off 26 balls, hit India's Shikha Pandey towards wide long-off. In the 19th over of England's batting, Amy Jones hit the ball towards long-off. Showing her games abilities, Harleen Deol hopped across the boundary rope, tossed the ball inside, and again jumped forward to finish probably the best gets at any point taken in women's cricket. ALSO READ: Cricket: Harleen Deol takes a stunning catch to dismiss Amy Jones - WATCH The video of Harleen's catch was shared on the Government of India's Instagram profile which has effectively circulated around the web, gathering more than 700k views in 24 hours. On Saturday, PM Modi shared a video of the post as his Instagram story with an inscription, “Phenomenal! Well done @deol.harleen304.” While sharing the video via online media, the Government of India stated, "YOU ABSOLUTELY CANNOT MISS THIS! India's Harleen Deol took one of the most stunning catches in the history of women's cricket to dismiss England's Amy Jones during the 1st T20I at Northampton. Take a bow!” View this post on Instagram A post shared by MyGov, Government of India (@mygovindia) × Amy Jones was England's second-best player in the match. She scored 43 runs in only 26 balls and looked set to finish her team innings on a high note before Harleen Deol's gigantic effort at long-off. England managed to score 177/7 out of 20 overs.

Cricket: 'Phenomenal' - PM Modi hails Harleen Deol for taking a stunning catch

<p>Indian cricketer Harleen Kaur Deol took an electrifying catch in the first T20I against England. This exertion of Harleen Deol has overwhelmed the social media and from any semblance of Sachin Tendulkar to Mithali Raj, everybody has commended Harleen Deol's splendid anticipation&nbsp;</p>

<p>Put to bat first, England were 166 for 4 in the 19th over when Amy Jones, batting on 43 off 26 balls, hit India's Shikha Pandey towards wide long-off. In the 19th over of England's batting, Amy Jones hit the ball towards long-off. Showing her games abilities, Harleen Deol hopped across the boundary rope, tossed the ball inside, and again jumped forward to finish probably the best gets at any point taken in women's cricket.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A fantastic piece of fielding 👏<br />
<br />
We finish our innings on 177/7<br />
<br />
Scorecard &amp; Videos: <a href="https://t.co/oG3JwmemFp">https://t.co/oG3JwmemFp</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/62hFjTsULJ">pic.twitter.com/62hFjTsULJ</a></p>
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/englandcricket/status/1413579318182219777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">That was a brilliant catch <a href="https://twitter.com/imharleenDeol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imharleenDeol</a>. Definitely the catch of the year for me!<a href="https://t.co/pDUcVeOVN8">pic.twitter.com/pDUcVeOVN8</a></p>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1413719913458409479?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">As good a catch one will ever see on a cricket field, from Harleen Deol. Absolutely top class. <a href="https://t.co/CKmB3uZ7OH">https://t.co/CKmB3uZ7OH</a></p>
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) <a href="https://twitter.com/VVSLaxman281/status/1413688277240934403?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">OMG 😱 🤯🤯<a href="https://twitter.com/imharleenDeol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imharleenDeol</a> take a bow!! Calling it now the best we will see this series!! <a href="https://t.co/O4Dwm4OYlU">pic.twitter.com/O4Dwm4OYlU</a></p>
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) <a href="https://twitter.com/sthalekar93/status/1413575345882550272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Witness to this screamer by <a href="https://twitter.com/imharleenDeol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imharleenDeol</a> last evening ✊ 👏 Great athleticism and presence of mind . Also , credit to the fielding coach <a href="https://twitter.com/Im_AbhaySharma?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Im_AbhaySharma</a> who ensures we toil hard on the ground with some smart fielding drills . <a href="https://t.co/rulvrYzenL">https://t.co/rulvrYzenL</a></p>
— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) <a href="https://twitter.com/M_Raj03/status/1413746414207655936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Regardless of such brilliance in the field, India couldn't get success in the rain-hit match over England. After England scored 177/7 out of 20 overs, India could just reach 54/3 in 8.4 overs before the game had stopped. No play could be conceivable after that as the DLS method needed to come into the spot to determine the destiny of the game.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Indian cricketer Harleen Kaur Deol took an electrifying catch in the first T20I against England. This exertion of Harleen Deol has overwhelmed the social media and from any semblance of Sachin Tendulkar to Mithali Raj, everybody has commended Harleen Deol's splendid anticipation Put to bat first, England were 166 for 4 in the 19th over when Amy Jones, batting on 43 off 26 balls, hit India's Shikha Pandey towards wide long-off.

Indian cricketer Harleen Kaur Deol took an electrifying catch in the first T20I against England. This exertion of Harleen Deol has overwhelmed the social media and from any semblance of Sachin Tendulkar to Mithali Raj, everybody has commended Harleen Deol's splendid anticipation Put to bat first, England were 166 for 4 in the 19th over when Amy Jones, batting on 43 off 26 balls, hit India's Shikha Pandey towards wide long-off. In the 19th over of England's batting, Amy Jones hit the ball towards long-off. Showing her games abilities, Harleen Deol hopped across the boundary rope, tossed the ball inside, and again jumped forward to finish probably the best gets at any point taken in women's cricket. A fantastic piece of fielding 👏 We finish our innings on 177/7 Scorecard & Videos: https://t.co/oG3JwmemFp#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/62hFjTsULJ — England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 9, 2021 × That was a brilliant catch @imharleenDeol. Definitely the catch of the year for me!pic.twitter.com/pDUcVeOVN8 — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 10, 2021 × As good a catch one will ever see on a cricket field, from Harleen Deol. Absolutely top class. https://t.co/CKmB3uZ7OH — VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) July 10, 2021 × OMG 😱 🤯🤯@imharleenDeol take a bow!! Calling it now the best we will see this series!! pic.twitter.com/O4Dwm4OYlU — Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) July 9, 2021 × Witness to this screamer by @imharleenDeol last evening ✊ 👏 Great athleticism and presence of mind . Also , credit to the fielding coach @Im_AbhaySharma who ensures we toil hard on the ground with some smart fielding drills . https://t.co/rulvrYzenL — Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) July 10, 2021 × Regardless of such brilliance in the field, India couldn't get success in the rain-hit match over England. After England scored 177/7 out of 20 overs, India could just reach 54/3 in 8.4 overs before the game had stopped. No play could be conceivable after that as the DLS method needed to come into the spot to determine the destiny of the game.

Cricket: Harleen Deol takes a stunning catch to dismiss Amy Jones - WATCH

<p>India captain is back at number one more than 16 years after she was first at the top spot; Verma, Winfield-Hill, and Ecclestone among others to advance<br />
Pakistan’s Nida Dar moves up to 15th among T20I bowlers; Cornell, Taylor also progress in weekly women’s update</p>

<p>Mithali Raj’s excellent show in the three-match series against England has helped her grab the No.1 position in the&nbsp;ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings for the eighth time in her stellar 22-year international career.</p>

<p>The 38-year-old struck 59 in the second match and then guided India to a four-wicket victory in the final match of the series with an unbeaten 75, gaining four spots to reach the top of the ladder in the latest weekly rankings update for women, carried out on Tuesdays.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-captain-mithali-raj-shatters-huge-batting-record-bcci-reacts-395742" hreflang="en">India captain Mithali Raj shatters huge batting record; BCCI reacts</a></p>

<p>Mithali Raj had started the tour in the eighth position but her series-topping aggregate of 206 runs has helped her reclaim the top position, which she had last occupied in February 2018. The first time she reached the number one position was in April 2005 after scoring an unbeaten 91 against New Zealand at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in Potchefstroom and the difference of more than 16 years at No.1 is the largest for any woman batter.</p>

<p>England’s Janette Brittin was number one for the first time in 1984 and the last time in 1995, while New Zealand’s Debbie Hockley is the only other female batter to have been No.1 more than 10 years apart – first achieving the feat in 1987 and for the final time in 1997.</p>

<p>In other gains for India players, big-hitting opener Shafali Verma’s scores of 44 and 19 in the last two ODIs of the series see her gain 49 places to reach 71st position while Jhulan Goswami is up four places to 53rd. In the bowlers’ list, all-rounder Deepti Sharma is up to one place to 12th after finishing with figures of three for 47 in the final match.</p>

<p>For England, opener Lauren Winfield-Hill has advanced 14 places to 41st position with scores of 42 and 36 while Sophia Dunkley has soared 80 places to 76th after scoring 73 not out and 28.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone continues her ascent, gaining four places to reach a career-best sixth position among bowlers after returns of three for 33 and two for 36. Kate Cross’s haul of five for 34 in the second match of the series is instrumental in seeing her advance from 25th to 18th position. Nat Sciver and Sarah Glenn have both moved up one place to reach 22nd and 43rd positions, respectively.</p>

<p>In the&nbsp;ICC Women’s T20I Player Rankings, Pakistan spinner Nida Dar, who became the first woman from her country to the milestone of a 100 T20I wickets, has gained six spots to reach 15th position after finishing with four wickets in a three-match series against the West Indies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the West Indies, Shamilia Cornell has moved up 14 slots to 27th place while captain Stafanie Taylor has advanced 10 places to reach 42nd position after claiming a hat-trick and finishing with four for 17 in the last match. Fatima Sana is up 85 places to 94th.</p>

<p>Among batters, Chedean Nation has progressed 17 places to 61st and Kycia Knight 20 places to 71st.</p>


India captain is back at number one more than 16 years after she was first at the top spot; Verma, Winfield-Hill, and Ecclestone among others to advance Pakistan’s Nida Dar moves up to 15th among T20I bowlers; Cornell, Taylor also progress in weekly women’s update Mithali Raj’s excellent show in the three-match series against England has helped her grab the No.

India captain is back at number one more than 16 years after she was first at the top spot; Verma, Winfield-Hill, and Ecclestone among others to advance Pakistan’s Nida Dar moves up to 15th among T20I bowlers; Cornell, Taylor also progress in weekly women’s update Mithali Raj’s excellent show in the three-match series against England has helped her grab the No.1 position in the ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings for the eighth time in her stellar 22-year international career. The 38-year-old struck 59 in the second match and then guided India to a four-wicket victory in the final match of the series with an unbeaten 75, gaining four spots to reach the top of the ladder in the latest weekly rankings update for women, carried out on Tuesdays. ALSO READ: India captain Mithali Raj shatters huge batting record; BCCI reacts Mithali Raj had started the tour in the eighth position but her series-topping aggregate of 206 runs has helped her reclaim the top position, which she had last occupied in February 2018. The first time she reached the number one position was in April 2005 after scoring an unbeaten 91 against New Zealand at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in Potchefstroom and the difference of more than 16 years at No.1 is the largest for any woman batter. England’s Janette Brittin was number one for the first time in 1984 and the last time in 1995, while New Zealand’s Debbie Hockley is the only other female batter to have been No.1 more than 10 years apart – first achieving the feat in 1987 and for the final time in 1997. In other gains for India players, big-hitting opener Shafali Verma’s scores of 44 and 19 in the last two ODIs of the series see her gain 49 places to reach 71st position while Jhulan Goswami is up four places to 53rd. In the bowlers’ list, all-rounder Deepti Sharma is up to one place to 12th after finishing with figures of three for 47 in the final match. For England, opener Lauren Winfield-Hill has advanced 14 places to 41st position with scores of 42 and 36 while Sophia Dunkley has soared 80 places to 76th after scoring 73 not out and 28. Left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone continues her ascent, gaining four places to reach a career-best sixth position among bowlers after returns of three for 33 and two for 36. Kate Cross’s haul of five for 34 in the second match of the series is instrumental in seeing her advance from 25th to 18th position. Nat Sciver and Sarah Glenn have both moved up one place to reach 22nd and 43rd positions, respectively. In the ICC Women’s T20I Player Rankings, Pakistan spinner Nida Dar, who became the first woman from her country to the milestone of a 100 T20I wickets, has gained six spots to reach 15th position after finishing with four wickets in a three-match series against the West Indies. For the West Indies, Shamilia Cornell has moved up 14 slots to 27th place while captain Stafanie Taylor has advanced 10 places to reach 42nd position after claiming a hat-trick and finishing with four for 17 in the last match. Fatima Sana is up 85 places to 94th. Among batters, Chedean Nation has progressed 17 places to 61st and Kycia Knight 20 places to 71st.

Cricket: Mithali Raj reclaims no.1 position in ICC Women's ODI player rankings

<p>India women’s Test and ODI skipper Mithali Raj on Saturday became highest run-getter across format in women's cricket. She exceeded past former England cricketer Charlotte Edwards, surpassing her aggregate of 10,273 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mithali Raj arrived at the accomplishment during last ODI against has England. While pursuing a 220-run target, the Indian captain played a significant thump of 75 not out, directing her side to a 4-wicket win. She was the reliable entertainer with the bat in the three-match series, scoring 206 runs at an average of 103. In any case, she was reprimanded for her strike rate.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="India captain Mithali Raj shatters huge batting record; BCCI reacts">India captain Mithali Raj shatters huge batting record; BCCI reacts</a></strong></p>

<p>At the point when gotten some information about something similar during the post-match presser, the batting sensation said she is centered around aiding the team and satisfying her obligations instead of looking for 'validation from people'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I do read the criticism about my strike rate but as I've said earlier also, I don't seek validation from people," Raj, the India Test and ODI captain, said after sealing a 220-run chase and her side's thrilling four-wicket win on Saturday in Worcester with an unbeaten 75. "I have played for a long time, and I know that I have a certain responsibility in the team. I don't look to please people, I'm here to play the role that's assigned to me accordingly, by the team management," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mithali Raj indented up three successive half-centuries in the ODIs against England. Her team may have lost the series 1-2 however she kept stacking up runs and mooring the middle-order. The 38-year-old currently has more than 7300 runs in ODIs, 2364 runs in T20Is, and 669 runs in Test matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When you're chasing a target, you pick your bowlers, you pick the length, and you pick the areas. And because I am in good flow, I know I need to make the best use of me in the middle. In a way the batting unit revolves around me - that's the job that's been given to me by the coach," she said,</p>

<p>"I look to not get bogged down because somewhere I do know that the top order is already in the dugout and it was important for me to understand the situation how I can manoeuvre and try to get the match as close as possible with the batters who are yet to come and the batters that I had in the middle. And I guess I need to give credit also to Sneh Rana because that partnership was very, very crucial. She kept her calm, which is very important in such situations," she added&nbsp;</p>

<p>Team Indian will now face the hosts in a three-match T20I series, which starts on July 9 in Northampton.</p>


India women’s Test and ODI skipper Mithali Raj on Saturday became highest run-getter across format in women's cricket. She exceeded past former England cricketer Charlotte Edwards, surpassing her aggregate of 10,273 runs.

India women’s Test and ODI skipper Mithali Raj on Saturday became highest run-getter across format in women's cricket. She exceeded past former England cricketer Charlotte Edwards, surpassing her aggregate of 10,273 runs. Mithali Raj arrived at the accomplishment during last ODI against has England. While pursuing a 220-run target, the Indian captain played a significant thump of 75 not out, directing her side to a 4-wicket win. She was the reliable entertainer with the bat in the three-match series, scoring 206 runs at an average of 103. In any case, she was reprimanded for her strike rate. ALSO READ: India captain Mithali Raj shatters huge batting record; BCCI reacts At the point when gotten some information about something similar during the post-match presser, the batting sensation said she is centered around aiding the team and satisfying her obligations instead of looking for 'validation from people'. "I do read the criticism about my strike rate but as I've said earlier also, I don't seek validation from people," Raj, the India Test and ODI captain, said after sealing a 220-run chase and her side's thrilling four-wicket win on Saturday in Worcester with an unbeaten 75. "I have played for a long time, and I know that I have a certain responsibility in the team. I don't look to please people, I'm here to play the role that's assigned to me accordingly, by the team management," she said. Mithali Raj indented up three successive half-centuries in the ODIs against England. Her team may have lost the series 1-2 however she kept stacking up runs and mooring the middle-order. The 38-year-old currently has more than 7300 runs in ODIs, 2364 runs in T20Is, and 669 runs in Test matches. "When you're chasing a target, you pick your bowlers, you pick the length, and you pick the areas. And because I am in good flow, I know I need to make the best use of me in the middle. In a way the batting unit revolves around me - that's the job that's been given to me by the coach," she said, "I look to not get bogged down because somewhere I do know that the top order is already in the dugout and it was important for me to understand the situation how I can manoeuvre and try to get the match as close as possible with the batters who are yet to come and the batters that I had in the middle. And I guess I need to give credit also to Sneh Rana because that partnership was very, very crucial. She kept her calm, which is very important in such situations," she added Team Indian will now face the hosts in a three-match T20I series, which starts on July 9 in Northampton.

Cricket: ‘I don’t look to please people’, Mithali Raj on criticism regarding her strike rate

<p>Mithali Raj on Saturday achieved a huge feat in her already illustrious career. The 38-year-old went past former England's batter Charlotte Edwards to become the leading run-scorer across formats in international cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-ranji-trophy-to-return-bcci-announces-fixtures-for-2021-22-domestic-season-395582" hreflang="en">Cricket: Ranji Trophy to return, BCCI announces fixtures for 2021-22 domestic season</a></p>

<p>The Indian skipper and Edwards are the only two women cricketers to have breached the 10,000-run mark in international cricket. As the skipper of Women in Blue, Mithali Raj has scored 6015 runs in 179 games. She is second to Edwards, who has 6728 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BCCI congratulated the Indian skipper for the achievement and took to Twitter for the record for the leading international run-scorer in both men's and women's cricket belong to cricketers from India with Raj joining Sachin Tendulkar.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">🙌 🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/VRUMcDofGe">pic.twitter.com/VRUMcDofGe</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1411535599652249603?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Mithali Raj achieved this feat against England, where she led the team from the front to avoid a clean sweep in the third ODI. Raj scored an unbeaten 75 to pull off a thrilling win for Team India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After being named the Player of the Match, Mithali Raj said on Sky Sports: "I never gave up in the middle. It's being in the middle because you can't win the match sitting out in the dugout. I wanted to win the game for the team. I just needed to get the partnership to take it to the last.</p>

<p>"That's something that kept me going through the innings. I knew in the middle overs I could manage the game. When you have young players in the side, you need to guide them along, that's a responsibility."</p>

<p>It was Mithali Raj's 87th half-century donning the blue jersey.</p>


Mithali Raj on Saturday achieved a huge feat in her already illustrious career. The 38-year-old went past former England's batter Charlotte Edwards to become the leading run-scorer across formats in international cricket.

Mithali Raj on Saturday achieved a huge feat in her already illustrious career. The 38-year-old went past former England's batter Charlotte Edwards to become the leading run-scorer across formats in international cricket. ALSO READ: Cricket: Ranji Trophy to return, BCCI announces fixtures for 2021-22 domestic season The Indian skipper and Edwards are the only two women cricketers to have breached the 10,000-run mark in international cricket. As the skipper of Women in Blue, Mithali Raj has scored 6015 runs in 179 games. She is second to Edwards, who has 6728 runs. BCCI congratulated the Indian skipper for the achievement and took to Twitter for the record for the leading international run-scorer in both men's and women's cricket belong to cricketers from India with Raj joining Sachin Tendulkar. 🙌 🙌#TeamIndia 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/VRUMcDofGe — BCCI (@BCCI) July 4, 2021 × Mithali Raj achieved this feat against England, where she led the team from the front to avoid a clean sweep in the third ODI. Raj scored an unbeaten 75 to pull off a thrilling win for Team India. After being named the Player of the Match, Mithali Raj said on Sky Sports: "I never gave up in the middle. It's being in the middle because you can't win the match sitting out in the dugout. I wanted to win the game for the team. I just needed to get the partnership to take it to the last. "That's something that kept me going through the innings. I knew in the middle overs I could manage the game. When you have young players in the side, you need to guide them along, that's a responsibility." It was Mithali Raj's 87th half-century donning the blue jersey.

India captain Mithali Raj shatters huge batting record; BCCI reacts

<p>India women's ODI and Test team skipper Mithali Raj and men's team senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin are set to be selected for the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Khel Ratna Award is the most noteworthy sporting honor in India, while the Arjuna Award is likewise a renowned award for Indian athletes. It is the fantasy of each Indian sportsperson to win these honors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to ANI on Wednesday that Indian women's ODI and Test skipper Mithali Raj has been suggested for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna grant at the National Sports Awards 2021. Indian men's all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has likewise been suggested.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-it-was-a-different-feeling-kane-williamson-on-lifting-the-test-mace-394760" hreflang="en">Cricket: 'It was a different feeling': Kane Williamson on lifting the Test mace</a></p>

<p>"We had a detailed discussion and it was decided to send in the names of Ashwin and women's Test and ODI skipper Mithali's name for the Khel Ratna. We are recommending Dhawan again for the Arjuna while we will also suggest the names of Rahul and Bumrah."</p>

<p>Ravichandran Ashwin has been outstanding amongst other all-rounders in current Test cricket, while Mithali is probably the best player in women's cricket.</p>

<p>Ravichandran Ashwin, who is now an Arjuna awardee like Mithali Raj, has likewise been a reliable entertainer for India in Test cricket. He has taken 413 wickets in 79 Tests other than 150 and 42 scalps in ODIs and T20s however he doesn't play for India in the more limited overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mithali Raj keeps on being probably the greatest name in Indian cricket. She finished 22 years in worldwide cricket last week. The 38-year-old is additionally the leading run-getter with in excess of 7000 runs.</p>

<p>Men's team batsmen Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul and pacer Jasprit Bumrah will be suggested for the Arjuna grant. BCCI has chosen not to send any names from the women's group for the Arjuna award.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shikhar Dhawan, who will lead India in the impending limited-overs series in Sri Lanka, is recommended for Arjuna Award. The 35-year-old southpaw has scored 5977 runs in 142 ODIs other than 2315 and 1673 Test and T20 runs individually.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, five Indian athletes got the Khel Ratna grant. Rohit Sharma was the solitary cricketer among the five competitors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prior to Rohit Sharma, just Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Sachin Tendulkar had won the Khel Ratna award. It will be fascinating to check whether Mithali Raj can turn into the first Indian women cricketer to get this honour.</p>


India women's ODI and Test team skipper Mithali Raj and men's team senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin are set to be selected for the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award.

India women's ODI and Test team skipper Mithali Raj and men's team senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin are set to be selected for the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award. The Khel Ratna Award is the most noteworthy sporting honor in India, while the Arjuna Award is likewise a renowned award for Indian athletes. It is the fantasy of each Indian sportsperson to win these honors. According to ANI on Wednesday that Indian women's ODI and Test skipper Mithali Raj has been suggested for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna grant at the National Sports Awards 2021. Indian men's all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has likewise been suggested. ALSO READ: Cricket: 'It was a different feeling': Kane Williamson on lifting the Test mace "We had a detailed discussion and it was decided to send in the names of Ashwin and women's Test and ODI skipper Mithali's name for the Khel Ratna. We are recommending Dhawan again for the Arjuna while we will also suggest the names of Rahul and Bumrah." Ravichandran Ashwin has been outstanding amongst other all-rounders in current Test cricket, while Mithali is probably the best player in women's cricket. Ravichandran Ashwin, who is now an Arjuna awardee like Mithali Raj, has likewise been a reliable entertainer for India in Test cricket. He has taken 413 wickets in 79 Tests other than 150 and 42 scalps in ODIs and T20s however he doesn't play for India in the more limited overs. Mithali Raj keeps on being probably the greatest name in Indian cricket. She finished 22 years in worldwide cricket last week. The 38-year-old is additionally the leading run-getter with in excess of 7000 runs. Men's team batsmen Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul and pacer Jasprit Bumrah will be suggested for the Arjuna grant. BCCI has chosen not to send any names from the women's group for the Arjuna award. Shikhar Dhawan, who will lead India in the impending limited-overs series in Sri Lanka, is recommended for Arjuna Award. The 35-year-old southpaw has scored 5977 runs in 142 ODIs other than 2315 and 1673 Test and T20 runs individually. Last year, five Indian athletes got the Khel Ratna grant. Rohit Sharma was the solitary cricketer among the five competitors. Prior to Rohit Sharma, just Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Sachin Tendulkar had won the Khel Ratna award. It will be fascinating to check whether Mithali Raj can turn into the first Indian women cricketer to get this honour.

Cricket: BCCI nominates Mithali Raj and Ravichandran Ashwin for Khel Ratna: Reports

<p>India captain Mithali Raj has returned to the top five of the&nbsp;ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings after top-scoring for India with 72 in the opening match of their three-match series against England in Bristol.</p>

<p>The 38-year-old, who has completed 22 years in international cricket, rescued her side from a precarious 27 for two but India’s total of 201 for eight was not challenging enough for England, who will be defending their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title in New Zealand next year.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In the latest <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFWorldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MRFWorldwide</a> ICC Women's ODI Player Rankings for batting:<br />
<br />
↗️ <a href="https://twitter.com/M_Raj03?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@M_Raj03</a> enters top five<br />
↗️ <a href="https://twitter.com/natsciver?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@natsciver</a> moves up one spot<br />
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Full list: <a href="https://t.co/KjDYT8qgqn">https://t.co/KjDYT8qgqn</a> <a href="https://t.co/szonwdMmn9">pic.twitter.com/szonwdMmn9</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1409788064944201732?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Mithali, who had led India to the final of the last World Cup played at Lord’s in 2017, has gained three slots to reach the fifth position after the Bristol knock. The formerly top-ranked batter returns to the top five for the first time since October 2019.</p>

<p>There was not much else to write home about for the India side in terms of rankings, with all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar re-entering in 97th place among batters and 88th among bowlers. Hard-hitting opener Shafali Verma, the top-ranked T20I batter, has entered the ODI rankings in 120th place after scoring a 14-ball 15 on debut.</p>

<p>England opener Tammy Beaumont has consolidated her top position after her player of the match effort, gaining 26 rating points to reach 791 after her unbeaten 87 while Natalie Sciver’s 74 not out sees her inch up from ninth to the eighth position&nbsp;in the latest women’s ranking update, which is carried out on Tuesdays.</p>

<p>In the bowlers’ list, fast bowler Anya Shrubsole has progressed three places to eighth after grabbing two wickets in the match while left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone, top-ranked in T20Is, has gained four slots to reach 10th position with a haul of three for 40 that included the scalps of Mithali and Harmanpreet Kaur. Kate Cross has moved up three places to 25th.</p>


India captain Mithali Raj has returned to the top five of the ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings after top-scoring for India with 72 in the opening match of their three-match series against England in Bristol.

India captain Mithali Raj has returned to the top five of the ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings after top-scoring for India with 72 in the opening match of their three-match series against England in Bristol. The 38-year-old, who has completed 22 years in international cricket, rescued her side from a precarious 27 for two but India’s total of 201 for eight was not challenging enough for England, who will be defending their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title in New Zealand next year. In the latest @MRFWorldwide ICC Women's ODI Player Rankings for batting: ↗️ @M_Raj03 enters top five ↗️ @natsciver moves up one spot Full list: https://t.co/KjDYT8qgqn pic.twitter.com/szonwdMmn9 — ICC (@ICC) June 29, 2021 × Mithali, who had led India to the final of the last World Cup played at Lord’s in 2017, has gained three slots to reach the fifth position after the Bristol knock. The formerly top-ranked batter returns to the top five for the first time since October 2019. There was not much else to write home about for the India side in terms of rankings, with all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar re-entering in 97th place among batters and 88th among bowlers. Hard-hitting opener Shafali Verma, the top-ranked T20I batter, has entered the ODI rankings in 120th place after scoring a 14-ball 15 on debut. England opener Tammy Beaumont has consolidated her top position after her player of the match effort, gaining 26 rating points to reach 791 after her unbeaten 87 while Natalie Sciver’s 74 not out sees her inch up from ninth to the eighth position in the latest women’s ranking update, which is carried out on Tuesdays. In the bowlers’ list, fast bowler Anya Shrubsole has progressed three places to eighth after grabbing two wickets in the match while left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone, top-ranked in T20Is, has gained four slots to reach 10th position with a haul of three for 40 that included the scalps of Mithali and Harmanpreet Kaur. Kate Cross has moved up three places to 25th.

Cricket: Mithali Raj back in top 5 ICC Women's ODI player rankings

<p>After a courageous display&nbsp;in the Test format, India Women will take on England Women in a three-match ODI series&nbsp;that starts at Bristol on Sunday, June 27.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India Women last played in the ODI series against South Africa in March. The series finished in harsh disillusionment as they yielded the series 4-1, with the batting and the bowling coming a cropper in various games.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mithali Raj addressed the press conference ahead of the first ODI match. The Indian skipper was inquired as to why the Indian team inclined towards putting runs on the board instead of chasing them. She said: “We have defended totals in the past; we have the bowling attack to do that. Spinners especially have won matches irrespective of wickets. Even in England in the 2017 WC. It all depends on how as a team we put on a total if we bat first or if we have a total to defend, it boils down to the rhythm and timing of the batters and bowlers.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-preview-india-women-face-england-women-in-a-three-match-odi-series-394108" hreflang="en">Cricket - Preview: India Women face England Women in a three-match ODI series</a></p>

<p>26th June 1999: A day that got carved throughout the entire existence of Indian cricket as 17-year-old Mithali Raj strode put to bat for the first time. June 26 checks precisely a long time since Mithali Raj made her first appearance for India. She has proceeded to turn out to be seemingly the best player throughout the entire existence of Indian women's cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We just arrived for our session, so no thought of celebrations yet. We have an important game. Feels nice to get up to messages congratulating me on my career. If I have to give one advice to my younger self: enjoy getting onto the ground representing your country. At that time, the expectation was so much that I didn’t realize the importance of wearing the blue jersey, that will be something I tell 16-year-old Mithali" - she answered by asking what advice would she give to her younger self.</p>

<p>Mithali Raj expects star teenager Shafali Verma to give India consistent beginnings at the top-order. Shafali Verma, who made a fabulous debut in the solitary Test match against England, is set to play her first ODI against similar rivals on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There will be times when she gives us a head start. We would love that to be consistent but at the same time she’s a young kid, she’ll learn with experience, she'll also learn how to build an innings."</p>

<p>Mithali Raj said she has given the youngster full freedom of playing the manner in which she wants to. She added: "Since she's getting into playing the ODI format for the first time, I, as a captain would encourage her to play the way she enjoys playing, that's the style of batting she should do. If we lose early wickets, we as experienced batters in the middle-order are there to rebuild, or if we get a good start, take the momentum forward. We have the batting depth to do that."</p>


After a courageous display in the Test format, India Women will take on England Women in a three-match ODI series that starts at Bristol on Sunday, June 27. India Women last played in the ODI series against South Africa in March.

After a courageous display in the Test format, India Women will take on England Women in a three-match ODI series that starts at Bristol on Sunday, June 27. India Women last played in the ODI series against South Africa in March. The series finished in harsh disillusionment as they yielded the series 4-1, with the batting and the bowling coming a cropper in various games. Mithali Raj addressed the press conference ahead of the first ODI match. The Indian skipper was inquired as to why the Indian team inclined towards putting runs on the board instead of chasing them. She said: “We have defended totals in the past; we have the bowling attack to do that. Spinners especially have won matches irrespective of wickets. Even in England in the 2017 WC. It all depends on how as a team we put on a total if we bat first or if we have a total to defend, it boils down to the rhythm and timing of the batters and bowlers.” ALSO READ: Cricket - Preview: India Women face England Women in a three-match ODI series 26th June 1999: A day that got carved throughout the entire existence of Indian cricket as 17-year-old Mithali Raj strode put to bat for the first time. June 26 checks precisely a long time since Mithali Raj made her first appearance for India. She has proceeded to turn out to be seemingly the best player throughout the entire existence of Indian women's cricket. “We just arrived for our session, so no thought of celebrations yet. We have an important game. Feels nice to get up to messages congratulating me on my career. If I have to give one advice to my younger self: enjoy getting onto the ground representing your country. At that time, the expectation was so much that I didn’t realize the importance of wearing the blue jersey, that will be something I tell 16-year-old Mithali" - she answered by asking what advice would she give to her younger self. Mithali Raj expects star teenager Shafali Verma to give India consistent beginnings at the top-order. Shafali Verma, who made a fabulous debut in the solitary Test match against England, is set to play her first ODI against similar rivals on Sunday. "There will be times when she gives us a head start. We would love that to be consistent but at the same time she’s a young kid, she’ll learn with experience, she'll also learn how to build an innings." Mithali Raj said she has given the youngster full freedom of playing the manner in which she wants to. She added: "Since she's getting into playing the ODI format for the first time, I, as a captain would encourage her to play the way she enjoys playing, that's the style of batting she should do. If we lose early wickets, we as experienced batters in the middle-order are there to rebuild, or if we get a good start, take the momentum forward. We have the batting depth to do that."

Cricket: Will encourage Shafali Verma to enjoy her batting, says Mithali Raj

<p>The three-match ODI series between England women's and India women's will kick-off&nbsp;on Sunday. The first match of the series will be played at County Ground, Bristol. The two teams played an energizing Test match last week which wound up in a draw. The hosts as of late reported their squad for this series and have included some new faces for the group.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Then again, Team India should settle on a significant choice on the initial mix with Shafali Verma included for the ODI squad interestingly. Notwithstanding, Shafali Verma has now discovered a spot in the ODI series and she can possibly set the stage ablaze. Without a doubt, Shafali Verma will open the innings close by Smriti Mandhana.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The last series against South Africa is verification enough of how the Indian side requirements to reexamine their batting in the middle-order and the runs need to come at an energetic speed. It is fair to say that this series against England will help India check their groundwork for the following year's World Cup.</p>

<p>England women, then again, will be truly happy with playing at their home conditions. Their last ODI series was against New Zealand where they won by 2-1.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-west-indies-have-to-function-as-a-team-to-win-the-t20-world-cup-says-nicholas-pooran-394078" hreflang="en">Cricket: West Indies have to function as a team to win the T20 World Cup, says Nicholas Pooran</a></p>

<h2>Head-to-Head</h2>

<p>Both the groups have met in 69 ODIs up until this point, of which England has won 37 matches. The Indian team arose successfully in 30 games while two games were called off.</p>

<h2>England&nbsp;</h2>

<p>England skipper Heather Knight has scored 2935 runs in 99 innings in her ODI vocation. She needs 65 additional runs to turn into the fourth English women cricketer to complete 3000 ODI runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sophie Ecclestone was the highest wicket-taker in the solitary Test match, additionally, she is the highest wicket-taker for England women's against India, she has 15 wickets in nine innings up until this point.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>England's Probable Playing XI:</strong> Tammy Beaumont, Sophia Dunkley, Heather Knight, Nat Sciver, Amy Jones (Wk), Fran Wilson, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Anya Shrubsole, Katherine Brunt.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>India&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Mithali Raj has scored 10131 runs in her international vocation up until this point. She needs to score 143 runs in this series to go past Charlotte Edwards and become the most noteworthy run-getter in Women's cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shafali Verma is good to go to make her ODI debut in this game and will open the innings. She will end up being the third youngest Indian to open the innings in her debut match after Thirush Kamin, and Mithali Raj.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>India's Probable Playing XI:</strong> Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Mithali Raj, Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Indrani Roy (wk), Pooja Vastrakar, Sneh Rana, Jhulan Goswami, Shikha Pandey.</p>


The three-match ODI series between England women's and India women's will kick-off on Sunday. The first match of the series will be played at County Ground, Bristol.

The three-match ODI series between England women's and India women's will kick-off on Sunday. The first match of the series will be played at County Ground, Bristol. The two teams played an energizing Test match last week which wound up in a draw. The hosts as of late reported their squad for this series and have included some new faces for the group. Then again, Team India should settle on a significant choice on the initial mix with Shafali Verma included for the ODI squad interestingly. Notwithstanding, Shafali Verma has now discovered a spot in the ODI series and she can possibly set the stage ablaze. Without a doubt, Shafali Verma will open the innings close by Smriti Mandhana. The last series against South Africa is verification enough of how the Indian side requirements to reexamine their batting in the middle-order and the runs need to come at an energetic speed. It is fair to say that this series against England will help India check their groundwork for the following year's World Cup. England women, then again, will be truly happy with playing at their home conditions. Their last ODI series was against New Zealand where they won by 2-1. ALSO READ: Cricket: West Indies have to function as a team to win the T20 World Cup, says Nicholas Pooran Head-to-Head Both the groups have met in 69 ODIs up until this point, of which England has won 37 matches. The Indian team arose successfully in 30 games while two games were called off. England England skipper Heather Knight has scored 2935 runs in 99 innings in her ODI vocation. She needs 65 additional runs to turn into the fourth English women cricketer to complete 3000 ODI runs. Sophie Ecclestone was the highest wicket-taker in the solitary Test match, additionally, she is the highest wicket-taker for England women's against India, she has 15 wickets in nine innings up until this point. England's Probable Playing XI: Tammy Beaumont, Sophia Dunkley, Heather Knight, Nat Sciver, Amy Jones (Wk), Fran Wilson, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Anya Shrubsole, Katherine Brunt. India Mithali Raj has scored 10131 runs in her international vocation up until this point. She needs to score 143 runs in this series to go past Charlotte Edwards and become the most noteworthy run-getter in Women's cricket. Shafali Verma is good to go to make her ODI debut in this game and will open the innings. She will end up being the third youngest Indian to open the innings in her debut match after Thirush Kamin, and Mithali Raj. India's Probable Playing XI: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Mithali Raj, Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Indrani Roy (wk), Pooja Vastrakar, Sneh Rana, Jhulan Goswami, Shikha Pandey.

Cricket - Preview: India Women face England Women in a three-match ODI series

<p>Without precedent for more than 2,400 days, the women's team will challenge a Test, against England Women in Bristol beginning Wednesday, June 16.</p>

<p>India skipper Mithali Raj believes the scheduled Test matches against England and Australia later in the year lead to a multi-format series turning into the standard and in the end a World Test Championship for the women's game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Addressing the media just before the one-off Test against England in Bristol, Mithali Raj said: "I feel that this Test and the pink ball Test in Australia opens the channel to have a three format bilateral series. You ask any modern-day cricketer, they eventually want to play the longer format. Maybe in the coming years, it might lead to a World Test Championship. We have points too, in this series, so it's going to be exciting and we're looking forward to it."</p>

<p>India are additionally on the cusp of exceptional achievement. Having won its last three Tests, two against England and one against South Africa, a fourth will see Mithali Raj and Co. level with Australia for the most continuous Test match triumphs. Be that as it may, the captain isn't really thinking about it as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am not looking at any record. It never crossed any of our minds. We just want to go out and take it session by session. We want to get in with a good confident mind out there" - she added.</p>

<p>Mithali Raj and a youthful crew - the vast majority of whom are set to make their Test debut in Bristol - are facing England again, with scarcely any red-ball practice.</p>

<p>Mithali, who has just played 10 Tests in a vocation crossing more than twenty years, is adhering to the positives.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-preview-long-wait-comes-to-an-end-as-india-women-face-england-women-in-one-off-test-391636" hreflang="en">Cricket - Preview: Long wait comes to an end as India Women face England Women in one-off Test</a></strong></p>

<p>"Competitively I've played lesser Tests. I would have liked to play more Tests. I won't get down to thinking if my game has evolved. My preparation has been going on. Talking to other cricketers who have played this format is helping me prepare for this Test" - she said.</p>

<p>Given that this squad prevalently plays white-ball cricket and the tight window, the Indian training staff is zeroing in on the mental health of the team, especially the adolescents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We did brief them about how the long format is played. For someone who is making their debut, we don't want to burden them with pressure or responsibility. Thy should enjoy playing" - she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Harmanpreet Kaur, the vice-captain had the option to have a discussion with her male counterpart&nbsp;Ajinkya Rahane and Mithali Raj says these channels have been worked with inside too.</p>

<p>"Ramesh got the seniors to speak to other players who aren't as experienced. Jhulan is talking to the fast bowlers, I am speaking to the batters" - she said.</p>


Without precedent for more than 2,400 days, the women's team will challenge a Test, against England Women in Bristol beginning Wednesday, June 16. India skipper Mithali Raj believes the scheduled Test matches against England and Australia later in the year lead to a multi-format series turning into the standard and in the end a World Test Championship for the women's game.

Without precedent for more than 2,400 days, the women's team will challenge a Test, against England Women in Bristol beginning Wednesday, June 16. India skipper Mithali Raj believes the scheduled Test matches against England and Australia later in the year lead to a multi-format series turning into the standard and in the end a World Test Championship for the women's game. Addressing the media just before the one-off Test against England in Bristol, Mithali Raj said: "I feel that this Test and the pink ball Test in Australia opens the channel to have a three format bilateral series. You ask any modern-day cricketer, they eventually want to play the longer format. Maybe in the coming years, it might lead to a World Test Championship. We have points too, in this series, so it's going to be exciting and we're looking forward to it." India are additionally on the cusp of exceptional achievement. Having won its last three Tests, two against England and one against South Africa, a fourth will see Mithali Raj and Co. level with Australia for the most continuous Test match triumphs. Be that as it may, the captain isn't really thinking about it as well. "I am not looking at any record. It never crossed any of our minds. We just want to go out and take it session by session. We want to get in with a good confident mind out there" - she added. Mithali Raj and a youthful crew - the vast majority of whom are set to make their Test debut in Bristol - are facing England again, with scarcely any red-ball practice. Mithali, who has just played 10 Tests in a vocation crossing more than twenty years, is adhering to the positives. ALSO READ: Cricket - Preview: Long wait comes to an end as India Women face England Women in one-off Test "Competitively I've played lesser Tests. I would have liked to play more Tests. I won't get down to thinking if my game has evolved. My preparation has been going on. Talking to other cricketers who have played this format is helping me prepare for this Test" - she said. Given that this squad prevalently plays white-ball cricket and the tight window, the Indian training staff is zeroing in on the mental health of the team, especially the adolescents. "We did brief them about how the long format is played. For someone who is making their debut, we don't want to burden them with pressure or responsibility. Thy should enjoy playing" - she added. Harmanpreet Kaur, the vice-captain had the option to have a discussion with her male counterpart Ajinkya Rahane and Mithali Raj says these channels have been worked with inside too. "Ramesh got the seniors to speak to other players who aren't as experienced. Jhulan is talking to the fast bowlers, I am speaking to the batters" - she said.

In future, women's cricket could have a World Test Championship: Mithali Raj

<p>India Women will play a one-off Test against the England Women in Bristol. The match will start on June 16 and it&nbsp;will be India Women's first Test match in almost seven years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian Women's cricket squad has been quite possibly the best unit in the game's longest format and are chasing the record of becoming the team with the most successive Test wins in women's cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There is a ton of exhilaration about this Test as numerous players of the Indian team might want to substantiate themselves in this format too. Then again, the England women's team will enjoy a home benefit on their side.</p>

<h2>Head to Head</h2>

<p>The two teams have confronted each other in 13 Tests, with England Women winning once. India Women have arisen successfully twice, while the remaining 10 matches finishing&nbsp;in draws.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/players-picked-ajinkya-rahanes-brain-about-batting-in-test-cricket-harmanpreet-kaur-ahead-of-england-match-391426" hreflang="en">Players picked Ajinkya Rahane's brain about batting in Test cricket: Harmanpreet Kaur ahead of England match</a></strong></p>

<p>India Women, who have won the last two Test matches played between the different sides.</p>

<h2>Weather Report</h2>

<p>The climate gauge for this match is somewhat obscure, the main day will have a few veils of mist however the remainder of the days are required to have some downpour, we may see a few rain delays and the game may head towards a draw. The temperature is predicted to be around 25°C with winds of 12 km/h bowling around on an average.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>England&nbsp;</h2>

<p>England Women, who have been in incredible structure this year. Albeit the English women played their last Test in 2019, they have sufficient involvement with the form of skipper Heather Knight and star all-rounders Nat Sciver and Katherine Brunt. The hosts have a decent blend of youth and experience, holding them in great stead.</p>

<p>With 41 wickets in only 12 Tests, Katherine Brunt is the highest wicket-taker in Women's Test cricket among dynamic cricketers. She will want to get some early wickets for her team to put the Indian players&nbsp;under pressure.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-ramesh-powar-is-always-involved-in-the-game-says-harmanpreet-kaur-391438" hreflang="en">Cricket: Ramesh Powar is always involved in the game, says Harmanpreet Kaur</a></strong></p>

<p>The England skipper is quite possibly the most experienced player on the side with more than 4,500 runs in worldwide cricket. Heather Knight, who bats at number 3 for England in Tests, will hope to secure the innings.</p>

<p><strong>England Team Probable XI</strong>: Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones (wk), Heather Knight (c), Natalie Sciver, Georgia Elwiss, Lauren Winfield, Katherine Brunt, Anya Shrubsole, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross/Emily Arlott, and Mady Villiers.</p>

<h2>India&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Any semblance of Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur, who are essential players in the Indian Women's limited-overs series, will be key as they tackle England. Jhulan Goswami - The veteran pacer will be an imperative pinion in the group if the Indian ladies are to win the one-off Test on English soil. Jhulan Goswami has a decent Test record of 40 wickets from only 10 Test matches including three five-wicket hauls. Team India would anticipate that she should concoct the goods with the ball, close by Poonam Yadav, and Deepti Sharma.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shafali Varma's forceful style of play at the top has procured her a spot in the Indian women's Test team for the visit through England. The bold opener's skill of taking on bowlers from the beginning of the innings conveys her intimidation even in the game's longest format.</p>

<p>One of the legends of women's cricket in India, Mithali Raj, will step onto the field at Bristol wanting to broaden her fabulous record in Test cricket. The 38-year-old averages more than 50 in Test cricket.</p>

<p><strong>India Team Probable XI:</strong> Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma/Priya Punia, Punam Raut, Mithali Raj (c), Harmanpreet Kaur, Deepti Sharma, Taniya Bhatia (wk), Jhulan Goswami, Shikha Pandey, Poonam Yadav, and Ekta Bisht.</p>

<p>England Women will begin the Test as the reasonable top choices due to home advantage being the key, one can't trifle with India Women. With worldwide whizzes, for example, Mithali Raj and Heather Knight set to take the field on Wednesday, we are in for an outright cracker of a Test match.</p>


India Women will play a one-off Test against the England Women in Bristol. The match will start on June 16 and it will be India Women's first Test match in almost seven years.

India Women will play a one-off Test against the England Women in Bristol. The match will start on June 16 and it will be India Women's first Test match in almost seven years. The Indian Women's cricket squad has been quite possibly the best unit in the game's longest format and are chasing the record of becoming the team with the most successive Test wins in women's cricket. There is a ton of exhilaration about this Test as numerous players of the Indian team might want to substantiate themselves in this format too. Then again, the England women's team will enjoy a home benefit on their side. Head to Head The two teams have confronted each other in 13 Tests, with England Women winning once. India Women have arisen successfully twice, while the remaining 10 matches finishing in draws. ALSO READ:Players picked Ajinkya Rahane's brain about batting in Test cricket: Harmanpreet Kaur ahead of England match India Women, who have won the last two Test matches played between the different sides. Weather Report The climate gauge for this match is somewhat obscure, the main day will have a few veils of mist however the remainder of the days are required to have some downpour, we may see a few rain delays and the game may head towards a draw. The temperature is predicted to be around 25°C with winds of 12 km/h bowling around on an average. England England Women, who have been in incredible structure this year. Albeit the English women played their last Test in 2019, they have sufficient involvement with the form of skipper Heather Knight and star all-rounders Nat Sciver and Katherine Brunt. The hosts have a decent blend of youth and experience, holding them in great stead. With 41 wickets in only 12 Tests, Katherine Brunt is the highest wicket-taker in Women's Test cricket among dynamic cricketers. She will want to get some early wickets for her team to put the Indian players under pressure. ALSO READ:Cricket: Ramesh Powar is always involved in the game, says Harmanpreet Kaur The England skipper is quite possibly the most experienced player on the side with more than 4,500 runs in worldwide cricket. Heather Knight, who bats at number 3 for England in Tests, will hope to secure the innings. England Team Probable XI: Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones (wk), Heather Knight (c), Natalie Sciver, Georgia Elwiss, Lauren Winfield, Katherine Brunt, Anya Shrubsole, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross/Emily Arlott, and Mady Villiers. India Any semblance of Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur, who are essential players in the Indian Women's limited-overs series, will be key as they tackle England. Jhulan Goswami - The veteran pacer will be an imperative pinion in the group if the Indian ladies are to win the one-off Test on English soil. Jhulan Goswami has a decent Test record of 40 wickets from only 10 Test matches including three five-wicket hauls. Team India would anticipate that she should concoct the goods with the ball, close by Poonam Yadav, and Deepti Sharma. Shafali Varma's forceful style of play at the top has procured her a spot in the Indian women's Test team for the visit through England. The bold opener's skill of taking on bowlers from the beginning of the innings conveys her intimidation even in the game's longest format. One of the legends of women's cricket in India, Mithali Raj, will step onto the field at Bristol wanting to broaden her fabulous record in Test cricket. The 38-year-old averages more than 50 in Test cricket. India Team Probable XI: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma/Priya Punia, Punam Raut, Mithali Raj (c), Harmanpreet Kaur, Deepti Sharma, Taniya Bhatia (wk), Jhulan Goswami, Shikha Pandey, Poonam Yadav, and Ekta Bisht. England Women will begin the Test as the reasonable top choices due to home advantage being the key, one can't trifle with India Women. With worldwide whizzes, for example, Mithali Raj and Heather Knight set to take the field on Wednesday, we are in for an outright cracker of a Test match.

Cricket - Preview: Long wait comes to an end as India Women face England Women in one-off Test

<p class="MsoNormal">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></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">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.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">&nbsp;</span>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;</p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Women's cricket needs media support: Mithali Raj</h2>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"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;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>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></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Many have come forward to support Osaka’s stance of protecting and taking care of her mental health including superstars like Serena Williams.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://t.co/LN2ANnoAYD">pic.twitter.com/LN2ANnoAYD</a></p>
— 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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<p>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></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"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.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>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></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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.</p>
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) <a href="https://twitter.com/MohammadKaif/status/1399620207241428992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>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></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

mithali-raj

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