India Women's Cricket: England Series Key to T20 World Cup Prep, Says Mandhana

India Women Gear Up for T20 World Cup with England Series

With the Women's T20 World Cup on the horizon in England next year, the Indian women's cricket team is set to fine-tune their preparations with a five-match T20I series against England, commencing on June 28th. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming series, emphasizing the valuable opportunity it provides for the team to acclimatize to the English conditions.

Mandhana spoke in Harmanpreet Kaur's absence due to illness © Getty

"Considering the T20 World Cup is scheduled around the same time next year, during the UK summer which offers similar conditions, this five-match T20I series will serve as excellent preparation for the team. It allows us to assess the conditions and how they complement each player's game," Mandhana stated. "Five T20s provide ample opportunities to play cricket in conditions mirroring those of the World Cup, just a year prior."

Harmanpreet Kaur's Absence

Mandhana also addressed the absence of captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who was unwell on the day of the pre-match press conference. However, she suggested that Harmanpreet would likely participate in the matches. "She is just unwell today. I am filling in for her today", Mandhana clarified.

The Indian squad has undergone nearly a month of intensive preparation for the England tour, which includes three ODIs following the T20I series. With several players, including Kranti Gaud and Sree Charani, experiencing their first tour of England, the team arrived a week early to fine-tune their strategies and adapt to the environment. Mandhana believes this extended preparation period has been beneficial for the team.

"We've had a productive 25 days of preparation, including specialized batting and bowling camps at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore, specifically tailored for this tour," Mandhana noted. "Arriving early in England provided eight valuable days of preparation, including practice matches, allowing us to familiarize ourselves with the conditions, especially for those touring England for the first time."

Adapting to the T20 Format

Recognizing the dynamic nature of the T20 format, Mandhana acknowledged the continuous need for batters to evolve and adapt their game.

"In the T20 format, there is always room for improvement. It's crucial for batters to keep improvising because opposition teams are constantly analyzing and devising strategies against your batting style," she explained.

Focus on the Present

Despite having specific goals and strategies for the series, Mandhana emphasized the importance of focusing on each ball as it comes. "While I have game plans and personal goals, cricket ultimately boils down to focusing on one ball at a time. I'll approach it with that mindset," she said.

Pace Bowling Attack

With Arundathi Reddy leading the pace bowling attack, supported by Amanjot Kaur, Gaud, and Sayali Satghare, Mandhana expressed excitement about the young pace bowlers showcasing their domestic experience in the T20Is against England. Renuka Singh Thakur, Pooja Vastrakar and Titas Sadhu will be missing due to injury.

"[We have] ...A new look pace-bowling unit because unfortunately, there are a few injuries which had happened over the last four to five months, but really exciting, I mean [the] WPL has been good in terms of finding new people and of course, the domestic system as well."

"[With] The amount of matches the girls play nowadays, so all these girls have a rich experience in the domestic format, so I'm really excited to see them. Young talent whenever they come in, it's always very exciting, everyone's been prepping up well, trying to do everything right and what better place than England to come to as a pacer," she concluded.