Women's cricket: Professional approach is likely to prove key for Charlotte Edwards
Captain ready for India Test after the benefit of thorough preparation
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England will begin as overwhelming favourites to beat India in the women’s Test which starts tomorrow. Almost everything is against the tourists. They have not played a Test match for eight years, only three of their players have appeared in a Test before, their opponents are now full-time professionals, the pitch at Wormsley is likely to be a green top.
It is inexperience and rawness that is likely to tell over four days. Although women’s cricket is discernibly on the up, it is not Test matches that are taking it there. Twenty20 is the most popular format. But there is at least an element of lip service paid to the playing of Tests.
Charlotte Edwards, who will lead England for the ninth time in a Test and the 188th time overall, said: “We have always liked to think we have prepared as professionally as we can. We have now been able to have the time. To have that time week on week has been key.”
In their most recent Test, India beat England by eight wickets at Taunton in 2006. Jhulan Goswami, one of the three Indians with Test experience, took 10 wickets in the match. Mithali Raj, their captain, also played.
England may give a debut to the medium-pacer Sonia Odedra, and Edwards must decide whether to open the batting with Heather Knight or bolster the middle order.
England women v India women: Tour schedule
Wednesday-Saturday Test match (Wormsley)
Highlights ecb.co.uk
Weather A mix of sunshine and light showers. Max temp: 19C.
21 August First One-Day International (Scarborough)
23 August Second ODI (Scarborough)
25 August Third ODI (Lord’s)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments