Snehasis Mukherjee in Indore
India’s vice-captain, Smriti Mandhana, was the only player to attend the team’s optional practice session on Saturday (October 18), a day before the crucial ICC Women’s World Cup clash against England at Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore.
During Friday’s high-intensity practice, when the Women in Blue focused on match simulation drills, Smriti was mostly seen interacting with teammates and guiding them. She was constantly discussing field placements and plans with both pacers and spinners. The vice-captain was also seen interacting with batters based on the field set, showing her growing leadership presence within the group.
But on Saturday, it was all about her own preparation. Smriti had a brief yet focused batting session in the indoor nets. After three quiet outings at the start of this World Cup, the opener finally found rhythm with a solid knock of 80 against Australia in Visakhapatnam. She’ll look to carry that momentum forward, as she remains the pillar in India’s batting line-up.
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This session also offered a possible selection hint for India. Out of the four practice sessions held in Indore, Amanjot Kaur attended only the first one. She missed both optional sessions as well as Friday’s main practice. This means Renuka Singh Thakur might return to the XI in her place. Renuka has looked in good rhythm during two sessions.
However, due to rain, the entire pitch and outfield were covered for nearly an hour, forcing England to shift indoors as well. They had full-strength practice at the indoor nets. Their focus was on batting, as the batters had been tested in the last three games. At the pre-match press conference, head coach Charlotte Edwards confirmed that both Lauren Bell and Sophie Ecclestone are fit and available for selection. This means England are likely to make two changes — Bell replacing Em Arlott and Ecclestone coming in for Sarah Glenn.
England are third with seven points from four matches. India are fourth with four from four. Australia and South Africa are occupying the top two spots with nine and eight points, respectively. Both these teams have completed five matches.
Also Read: CWC 25: India aim to avoid hat-trick of losses against unbeaten England in Indore