India women plan build-up for SA
Lack of preparation is being blamed as a reason for the India men’s cricket team flopping in the Test series against South Africa.
Their women counterparts don’t want to commit the same mistake and have already started preparations for next month’s tour.
Unlike the men’s team, which reached South Africa only a few days before the first Test in Cape Town, the women’s cricket team will reach in advance and get acclimatised before taking on South Africa women in the first ODI in Kimberley on February 5.
“Going early will help us. It is important to acclimatise to South African conditions. We are going to have a camp and then two practice matches before playing South Africa in the ODI series,” said all-rounder Harmanpreet Kaur, a key member of the Indian women’s cricket team.
The women’s team is currently at a weeklong camp at the Wankhede Stadium. Harmanpreet believes it is helping players build the right frame of mind ahead of the tour.
“Girls have done well in this camp. Since we will be playing ODIs and T20Is, we are preparing separately. We also have some new girls in the team, and for them it was important to interact with the others and get a sense of belonging,” the 28-year-old said.
The first Indian to play in the women’s Big Bash League said that experience would stand her in good stead.
“Though this time I didn’t get too many chances to play in the BBL, the time I spent there with Sydney Thunder practising will help me a lot in South Africa.”
MUMBAI: