The Indian women’s team has recently showcased their prowess in the Test format, securing victories against England and Australia in December 2023.
These triumphs have bolstered the team’s confidence as they approach the forthcoming encounter with South Africa.
“We enjoy playing all three formats, but Tests are always special. After back-to-back Tests against England and Australia in December, it was great on BCCI’s part to include the inter-zonal in the multi-day format, and they are all so used to playing red-ball cricket,” Muzumdar said during a press meet.
Deepti Sharma‘s captaincy propelled the East Zone to a thrilling victory in the final against the South Zone back in April, securing the championship by a slim margin of one wicket.
The conclusion of this match marked the end of the Indian women’s domestic cricket season for 2023-24.
“We are aware that red-ball cricket will be a part (of calendar), going forward. Hence, the inter-zonal was critical so that the players get the message.”
Muzumdar expressed his support for the introduction of a women’s Test championship, stating that it would greatly benefit the sport.
“It’s not a bad idea to have a (Women’s) Test Championship, something we can look forward to. But that is for the Board to decide. If it happens, it’s indeed better for the game,” he said.
The Indian team’s coach acknowledged that there is room for improvement across all aspects of their game.
“There’s scope for improvement in all three departments; there always is, along with fitness. We do have the momentum, but we are trying to focus on every game as it comes. Being a different format, the demands are different, and the team is up for it.
“We try to cater to all the demands since those are the demands of modern-day cricket; you cannot escape that. There have been a few changes in the squad (from the ODIs), but the core remains the same. It’s not easy, but it’s a challenge that we accept to adapt to different formats.”
In Chennai, the Indian women’s cricket team has only participated in a single Test match, which took place in 1976 against the West Indies. The result of that particular game was a draw.
“It’s an iconic ground; we are aware of the history it carries. Even though a lot of cricket has not been played here, we are aware of what the demands are — the pitch and the ground. We will try to cater to that,” he said.
The upcoming Test might witness the introduction of several new players to the international stage. Among the potential debutants are Shubha Satheesh, Sneh Rana, Rajeshwar Gayakwad, and Saika Ishaque, who could all be given the opportunity to showcase their skills and represent their country for the first time in the longest format of the game.
“Those players are very important, and we did have a bowlers’ camp at the NCA. They were specifically given the red ball. They were told a few things to do while their weekly chart was organised and given to them. They had a practice session yesterday. They look absolutely fine. They are completely fresh and raring to go.”
Commenting on the prospect of having Shabnam Md Shakil play, Muzumdar hailed her as a ‘superb talent’.
“We have made a concise decision to include her so that she gets a first-hand experience and the feel of the dressing room and the culture.”
The just-concluded ODIs against South Africa, which India won 3-0, saw Smriti Mandhana bowl three overs and even grab a wicket.
When asked if she would bowl in the Test, Muzumdar said: “She’d be happy if I said, ‘Yes, she will be bowling with the red ball’.”
“But, we have trained in that fashion and put in a concise effort. It didn’t just happen on that day.”
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