TOUGH ROAD AHEAD
But the real test of how much Indian women’s cricket has gained will come in the months ahead, when they travel to England and Australia in the build-up to next year’s World Cup, to be played Down Under.
“We’re playing only ODIs but it’ll be very helpful,” says Shubhangi . The players, too, are looking forward to the tours as a definitive reality check. “We’ll get to play in conditions which will be available for the World Cup. The pitches there are fast and bouncy and it’s important for us to get accustomed to that, and to find out how well we can cope,” says captain Mithali Raj. “Now that most of the things on our wish-list have finally been taken care of, we’re waiting for an opportunity to play without any off-field pressure.”
The team how have an NCA Level-III coach, Atul Gaekwad, who is taking care of the team’s fielding and fitness. “Before he arrived, we had no idea about a lot of basic drills and other advanced practice routines. He’s been with us on a tour-by-tour basis. If that can become regular, it’ll be even more helpful,” says Mithali.
Cricket New Zealand (CNZ) has already announced its list of probables for the World Cup that is still nine months away. Experts say it’s this kind of preparation they should work towards emulating. As fast bowler Jhulan Goswami puts it: “Things are getting better but only a World Cup win will now take India to the next level. It is up to our team to make that dream come true and leave behind a legacy, and a brighter future for tomorrow’s players.”

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