India women's team’s new head coach Amol Muzumdar has encouraged his team to play ‘fearless cricket’ while maintaining high standards of fitness and fielding ahead of the upcoming three-match T20I series against England, scheduled to commence on December 6 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
"We need to play a certain brand of cricket, which we have been known for so far. Fearless cricket is something which I have always advocated. We would be playing that brand of cricket," Muzumdar told reporters on December 5 before the team's training session at the Wankhede Stadium.
"Shafali (Verma) and Jemimah (Rodrigues) are both very important cog in the wheel. I would like them to continue what they have been doing."
Muzumdar said that every series starting with England will be of utmost importance as the team begins preparations for next year’s T20 World Cup which will be played on Bangladesh soil from September to October.
“We are moving towards the World Cup. Every series and match will have its own importance. The series against England and Australia will count a lot,” said Muzumdar ahead of his first major assignment as coach.
“We had a chat about it with the team and they (players) are all raring to go. Every step that we take (hereon) is (about) moving towards the World Cup”, he further added.
"England and Australia will be a superb series to start the preparations (for the World Cup). (Both) will be tough series (and) will give us an indication of where we are. Going forward, the tougher the opposition, the better it is.”
After playing against England, India will take on Australia in another home series on January 2. Muzumdar emphasised that there will be no compromise on fielding and fitness standards, as it is in line with the vision for the Harmanpreet-led side.
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“Fielding and fitness are of highest priority. There is no compromise on fielding or fitness. There will be a lot of camps post this series — a lot of cricket will be played — at NCA or some other place,” he continued.
“That means more exposure. All the fringe and new players will also get an opportunity.” India’s record of only seven wins in 27 matches against England in T20Is (home and away) does not bother the new coach who has urged his team to leave the past behind.
"As a team, we have decided to leave the statistics and whatever has happened behind us. We are looking forward to a fresh start,” said the domestic batting stalwart.
“The numbers are there to be seen, but these girls and the team are looking forward to the season ahead. We are not going to go back in history — of course it is important — but at the same time, it is also important to look forward to the season ahead. They are all raring to go.”
Muzumdar said that Troy Cooley has been appointed bowling coach for the team's upcoming series against England and Australia. Cooley's responsibilities will encompass three T20Is and one Test against England, followed by one Test, three T20Is, and three ODIs against Australia.
He expects women’s cricket to grow exponentially after the success of the inaugural season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
“It was a fantastic advertisement for women’s cricket last year. We all saw how many people turned up for the game. We all are on the cusp of getting it big in women’s cricket. The crowd turning up for the game is absolutely a boost for everyone,” the 49-year-old concluded.
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