India take on England in World Cup opener

Derby (England), June 23 

A strong tune-up notwithstanding, India will have their task cut out when they lock horns with title contenders England in the opener of the ICC women's World Cup here tomorrow.

India have had an impressive build-up to the 50-over showpiece, beating South Africa by eight wickets in the final of the Quadrangular series recently.

India will be captained by the experienced Mithali Raj, who recently became just the third player to lead in 100 ODIs. Mithali, whose first target is to make the semifinals, is coming off a record-breaking six successive half-centuries, and she would look to continue in same vein.

The Quadrangular tournament also saw a record opening stand of 320 by Deepti Sharma and Poonam Raut against Ireland, the first partnership of more than 300 runs in women's cricket. Smriti Mandhana has returned from injury to add to the side's strengths, while Poonam and Mona Meshram have been doing well on their comebacks. Harmanpreet Kaur lends strength to both batting and bowling. 

Considering the conditions in the UK, Mithali is aware that her team would need to be on toes. “The conditions there (South Africa) are completely different to what we are facing here in England. We can take a lot of confidence, but we need to start fresh again in the World Cup,” the skipper said.

“The girls, coming from Indian and South African tracks, are adapting to English conditions — it will take a while, but the girls are getting used to it.”

Jhulan Goswami, the highest wicket-taker in ODIs, will lead the Indian bowling attack. The team would hope that Jhulan finds enough support from Shikha Pandey with the new ball. Ekta Bisht will lead the spin department.

As far as India's recent form is concerned, they have won their last four ODI series, first whitewashing Sri Lanka and West Indies at home and then beating South Africa in the final of the Qualifier as well as the Quadrangular series. During this period, they won 16 out of the 17 games.

Two-time champions England will be one of the most difficult challenges for India. While the seasoned Sarah Taylor has returned after an extended break from the game, England have quite a few other players such as in-form captain Heather Knight, Katherine Brunt — one of the most dangerous pacers at the moment — and Nat Sciver who can make a difference. — PTI

Do you ask male cricketers who is their favourite female cricketer, asks Mithali

Indian women's cricket team skipper Mithali Raj has asserted that female cricketers should not be compared to their male counterparts. Mithali, who was attending the opening dinner and media roundtable event on the eve of the World Cup opener, was asked who her favourite male cricketer was between India and Pakistan. “Do you ask the same question to a male cricketer? Do you ask them who their favourite female cricketer is?” she retorted. “I have always been asked who's your favourite cricketer but you should ask them who their favourite female cricketer is.” The skipper also pointed out that the Indian women do not receive the same amount of publicity as their male counterparts in a cricket-crazy nation like India. “There's a lot of difference because we are not regular on television. Now BCCI is making an effort and the last two home series have been televised. Social media has helped a lot but there is still a lot of catching-up to do in terms of recognition,” she said.