‘India men’s recent historic Test series win in Australia will motivate us against England,’ says Mithali Raj


‘India men’s recent historic Test series win in Australia will motivate us against England,’ says Mithali Raj

Mithali Raj

India women’s Test and ODI team skipper Mithali Raj is set to play her 11th match in the longer format of the game. Raj, along with the entire India women’s and men’s squad for the UK tour is currently serving the mandatory quarantine period in Mumbai.

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The 38-year old’s last Test outing came back in 2014. Mithali Raj has 663 runs in 10 matches thus far which includes one century and four half-centuries. Moreover, her best score of 214 was also a world record score for quite some time.

In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, the veteran cricketer stressed upon playing more Test matches in the future. 

“It is a way forward, getting a Test after a long gap. It is nice to include it in a bilateral series. In fact, more Tests should be played, they must be made a regular feature. Women’s cricket is followed passionately throughout the world now and generates interest. So, why not have Test cricket back? It is very good for the players to get this sort of exposure,” Mithali told the Hindustan Times.

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‘Never thought I would get to play the pink-ball Test’

Mithali Raj
Mithali Raj

The Indian eves are also scheduled to play their first-ever pink-ball Test against Australia later this year. Raj mentioned that she never thought of playing a Day/Night Test. The Jodhpur-born also revealed that the recent Test victory for India men’s team in Australia will motivate the women’s side while they lock horns with England.

“It will be historic. I never thought I would get to play the pink-ball Test. We have also not played much cricket at the Western Australia Cricket Association ground in Perth. A new chapter will start for us.

It will be exciting to see these youngsters get a taste of Test cricket. We have had team discussions about the tour. When we hit the nets, all experienced teammates and the coaching staff will be there to guide the debutants. The way our men’s team won the Test series in Australia a few months ago will motivate us against England,” Mithali added.

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