India begin campaign against England

WOMEN’S WORLD CUP Mithali Raj’s side, who finished runnersup in 2005, are in good form but will have task cut out against title contenders

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

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.

The 2005 runners-up might have directly qualified for the World Cup 2017 had they played their three games against Pakistan in the ICC Women’s Championship and not forfeited the six points.

Having finished fifth on the table with 19 points, India had to go through the qualifiers in Sri Lanka where they went undefeated and won a thrilling final against South Africa by onewicket. India will be playing the tournament under the experienced Mithali Raj, who recently became the third player to lead her team in 100 ODIs.

Raj, whose first target is to make the semi-finals, 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.

While the Indian batting revolves around Raj, Deepti has also provided some good starts lately. Smriti Mandhana has returned from injury to add to the side’s strengths, while Raut and Mona Meshram have been doing well on their comebacks. Harmanpreet Kaur will also be a strong presence.

Considering the conditions in the UK, Raj is aware that her team would need to be on its 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 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,” the skipper had said.

Jhulan Goswami, the highest wicket-taker in ODI history, will lead the bowling attack.

The team would hope that Goswami finds enough support from Shikha Pandey with the new ball, while Ekta Bisht will lead the spin department.

As far as their recent form is concerned, India comprehensively won their last four ODI series.

Two-time champions England will be one of the most difficult challenges for India. That England have won the title both times they have hosted the World Cup, should work in their favour.

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. Finished runners-up once and twice semi-finalists Twice semi-finalist sofWorld T20 Six times Asia Cup champions The Indian women’s cricket team has been on a record-breaking spree. Openers Deepti Sharma and Poonam Raut became the first-ever pair to share a 300+ (320) run stand inaODI. Batting mainstay of the side, she has over 5,000 runs to her name. A lot will rest on the skipper to turn around fortunes of the side which finished 7th in last World Cup.

She was first Indian to play in an overseas T20 league. An experienced campaigner, she averages 34 with the bat and has 14 wickets.

Having made her debut back in 2002, Goswami is a senior campaigner. She is also the world’s leading wicket-taker with more then 180 scalps and has led the side in the past.

The 31-year-old is a wily customer and has a bowling average of around 19.53 in ODIs. Her experience makes her a key player.

The only Indian to be named in the ICC Women’s Team of the Year 2016. Mandhana also has a century to her name.

With 10 wickets in her last five ODIs, Gayakwad is in peak form and can form a lethal partnership with Bisht in the bowling attack.

After her debut in February this year, Joshi has been a part of Raj’s plan ever since. She has played 5 ODIs, but the fast bowler can come handy in English conditions.

Meshram made her debut way back in 2012 and has played 18 ODIs till date but her recent form with the bat has helped her earn her place in the squad.

Yadav plays the role of a strike bowler well and is in good form with 10 wickets in her kitty from her last five matches.

With 316 runs in the last five innings she has batted in, including warm-up games, Raut can be the difference for the side with her swashbuckling ability to hit the ball.

Verma is a wicket-keeper batsman and has proved her worth in the side since making a comeback to the side before the Australia.

Pandey is expected to share the new ball with Goswami and in conditions tailor-made for fast bowlers; India might fall back on the veteran of 25 ODIs to do the job.

Not many have earned a call-up to the World Cup with just one game under their belt. She finds her place in the

side as the second wicket-keeper.

Although she’s just 19, Sharma already has a world record to her name. Her 188 was the 2nd highest ODI score.