After a closely contested T20I series that saw England emerge victorious (2-1), both teams are eager to leave their mark on the longest format of the game. The stage is set for a battle of skill, determination, and strategic prowess as these two cricketing powerhouses face off.
For the Women in Blue, this test holds immense significance after conceding the T20I series. The team, led by the talented Harmanpreet Kaur, is poised to redeem themselves in the more traditional format of the game.
India’s best playing XI for the one-off Test against England
Openers:
1) Smriti Mandhana: Renowned for her stylish stroke play and solid technique, Mandhana brings stability and experience to the top order.
2) Shafali Verma: Known for her aggressive batting style, Verma injects energy and a fearless approach, unsettling opposition bowlers early on.
Middle-order batters:
3) Harmanpreet Kaur (c): The captain brings leadership, experience, and explosive batting to the middle order, capable of turning the game in a session.
4) Richa Ghosh (wk): A young and dynamic wicketkeeper-batswoman, Ghosh adds flair and agility behind the stumps and the ability to accelerate the innings.
All-rounders:
5) Deepti Sharma: A valuable all-rounder contributing with both bat and ball, Sharma provides balance and stability to the team.
6) Pooja Vastrakar: A versatile all-rounder, Vastrakar offers pace with the ball and contributes with the bat, adding depth to the team.
7) Sneh Rana: Rana’s off-spin and handy lower-order batting make her a crucial all-round asset, providing flexibility to the team.
8) Harleen Deol: An agile fielder and a promising all-rounder, Deol adds depth to both the batting and bowling departments.
Bowlers:
9) Renuka Thakur Singh: A seam bowler with the ability to swing the ball, Singh brings variety to the pace attack.
10) Saika Ishaque: A young and promising fast bowler, Ishaque adds pace to the attack and is capable of troubling opposition batters.
11) Rajeshwari Gayakwad: A skilled left-arm spinner, Gayakwad brings spin options, adding a crucial dimension to the bowling lineup.
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England’s best playing XI for the one-off Test against India
Openers:
1) Tammy Beaumont: An experienced opener with a solid technique, Beaumont provides stability and the ability to anchor the innings.
2) Maia Bouchier: Receiving her maiden call-up, Bouchier is an exciting talent expected to bring fresh energy and aggression at the top.
Middle-order batters:
3) Heather Knight (c): The captain brings leadership, stability, and a wealth of experience to the middle order.
4) Sophia Dunkley: A stylish and aggressive batter, Dunkley adds firepower and flair to the middle order.
5) Amy Jones: A wicketkeeper-batter, Jones adds depth to the batting lineup with her agility behind the stumps.
All-rounders:
6) Nat Sciver-Brunt: A dynamic all-round pair, Sciver and Brunt bring a combination of power-hitting and effective seam bowling, providing balance to the team.
7) Danielle Wyatt: A hard-hitting batter and a handy off-spinner, Wyatt adds versatility and firepower to the team.
Bowlers:
8) Sophie Ecclestone: A world-class left-arm spinner, Ecclestone is a key wicket-taking option and adds control to the bowling attack.
9) Kate Cross: An experienced fast bowler, Cross provides pace and accuracy, making her a potent force in the pace department.
10) Lauren Filer: A promising fast bowler, Filer adds youth and potential to the pace attack.
11) Lauren Bell: Another young fast bowler, Bell brings enthusiasm and pace to the bowling lineup, providing a different dimension.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
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