New Delhi: Twenty20s and ODIs are the formats driving women’s cricket forward but it is only the ultimate challenge of playing Tests that will help India produce more world-class players, said skipper Mithali Raj who has played just 10 Tests in an 18-year-old career.
Speaking at felicitation function organised by the BCCI, where each of the squad member was presented Rs 50 lakh by the board, Mithali spoke of the importance of playing more Tests. India have played just five Tests in the last 10 years.
“Test matches are the ultimate test for cricketers, whether it is your temperament, skill or endurance. However, women’s cricket needs promotion and so far it has been done mainly through T20s and ODIs by the respective cricket boards,” said Mithali at the ceremony.
“As of now, it seems every board wishes to market the sport through T20 and ODIs as they think they are the ideal formats. I feel Test matches should be played as frequently as limited over games because it churns out quality players. If the Indian team want to play, the other teams should also be ready to play Test matches,” she added.
Despite India losing the final from a comfortable position, Mithali said it was a brilliant team effort.
“Not many gave us a chance to reach the semis or final even. This World Cup was tough, but the players rose to the occasion,” pointed out Mithali.
“What the team have achieved in this World Cup, the seeds were sown in the ODI series against Australia, the West Indies tour, the Quadrangular Series in South Africa, the Qualifiers in Sri Lanka and into the World Cup. The preparation was very good,” she stated while pointing out that she will certainly play for another 2-3 years. “I am also keeping the options open for the 2021 World Cup, but then that is too distant.”
Additional windfall
Railway minister Suresh Prabhu announced Thursday a cash award of Rs 13 lakh for each of the 10 women’s cricketers employed with the organisation for their inspiring show at the World Cup. “Ten women from the Indian cricket team were from the Railways. It was captained by Mithali Raj who is from Railways and was the highest run scorer. Harmanpreet Kaur is ours and so is the wicket keeper (Sushma Verma),” Prabhu said.
