M.D. Thirush Kamini and N. Niranjana are in that stage of their careers where they are keener on cementing their positions in the Indian women’s cricket team.
Having played 27 and 15 One Day Internationals respectively, Chennai girls Kamini and Niranjana say that the Indian women team’s tour of England — comprising one four-day ‘Test’ and three ODIs, beginning on August 7 — will be a huge challenge.
“For me, it will be a new experience as I have not played in England before,” said the 23-year-old Kamini, an opening bat and a leg-spinner. “I am overwhelmingly happy. It is a proud moment for me.”
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Niranjana, on the other hand, has toured England before, making her ODI debut (Bath in 2008) and her T20 debut (Canterbury in 2012).
“As a cricketer, you always dream of playing a Test. I hope to do my best,” said the 25-year-old, a middle-order bat and a right-arm medium-pacer.
“England is a good side. They have been playing matches regularly, and have world class players in (Charlotte) Edwards and (Sarah) Taylor,” said Niranjana.
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The Indian team will have a short camp at NCA, Bangalore, before leaving for England.
This will be India’s first ‘Test’ in eight years. The team starts with a warm-up match at Loughborough on August 7.
The first Test begins on August 13 at Wormsley while the ODI series commences on August 21 at Scarborough.