There was a lot of discussion over how India can beat Australia on Saturday in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, with former captains Diana Edulji and Shantha Rangaswamy weighing in.
Diana Edulji and Shantha Rangaswamy, two former captains of the Indian women’s cricket team, believe that the squad cannot afford to “blow hot and cold” in a major tournament like the World Cup. On Saturday, India will meet the formidable Australians, who have won two and lost two in the World Cup thus far. Edulji thinks the batting order has seen far too many alterations. Against the Windies and England, Deepti Sharma was replaced by skipper Mithali Raj at number three, where she batted in the first two games.
After a protracted dry spell that saw her dropped from a bilateral series against New Zealand prior to the World Cup, Mithali has yet to find her groove in the competition, while Harmanpreet has returned to form after an extended slump.
Last month, Edulji advocated for Harmanpreet to be excluded from the playing eleven, but the senior batsman has smashed a hundred and fifty in the ICC event so far to prove her wrong.
At five, Edulji like Harmanpreet and opener Smriti Mandhana to get the most playing time.
Allow Harman and Smriti to play as many overs as they can while they’re in good form and confident in each other. They work well as a team and have good between-the-wickets speed. As long as Shafali is out of form, Smriti and Yastika are good as the opening duo.
As a result, Harmanpreet can bat at three, followed by Deepti, and Mithali can take charge of the innings at five in the event of a breakdown in the top order.
Currently, “too many changes” are taking place. Inform the players that they will bat at this particular number and that they are safe to do so. Having hit her stride, Harman now needs to raise her game.
Richa and Pooja can be elevated in the last 20 overs if needed, but Edulji told PTI that the top four should remain steady.
After a 317-run win against the West Indies, England smashed India for 134 on Wednesday, ending a three-game losing streak.
Edulji chimed in, saying, “You can’t blow hot and cold like that.”
Rangaswamy, too, emphasized the need for consistency among the batters, although he has no plans to alter the starting lineup against Australia. Although they lost the closely contested away series 1-2, India had broken Australia’s 26-match winning streak last year in their own backyard.
They were both in the running previously, but in the tournament thus far they have not clicked. India’s batsmen, especially Mithali, will be hoping that the two of them, especially her, can shine against Australia.
For India, it’s a positive sign that both Smriti and Harman have regained their form. Throughout the World Cup, our bowlers have performed admirably. If they can win Australia, they will have surmounted a significant psychological barrier,” said Rangaswamy.
“The batting order hasn’t changed. Mithali has primarily batted at number three during her career. I’m convinced she’ll be back in the running for the championships. The squad should not risk Harman at number five against the moving ball.
It is impossible to stop her once she gets going.” I’m delighted to see her back in action. She was energized after being booted from one of the games. Everybody needs a jolt from time to time.”
South Africa and Bangladesh can try leg-spinner Poonam Yadav, but not Australia because they’ve “found her out,” according to Rangaswamy.
