‘Continuity in Test cricket will be great’

Sometimes it’s nice to go in without a baggage, you just play and enjoy the atmosphere, says Mithali

With India women set to play two Tests in three months, that too away from home, after a seven-year drought, the focus will definitely be on the traditional format as Mithali Raj’s side embarks on a full tour of England. Captain Mithali stressed that playing Test cricket will be a big step forward for the younger lot that’s been focusing on limited-over cricket. “It’s good to have Tests, whether it’s home or away. If there’s continuity, it’s great because it helps players as well. Sometimes it’s nice to go in without a baggage, you just go in, play and enjoy the atmosphere,” Mithali said during a media interaction ahead of leaving for the tour that will comprise a Test, three ODIs and three T20Is in England. The women’s and men’s squads together will leave in the wee hours of Wednesday. “It’s good to have the girls who are playing for the first time and the girls who have played in the past and share their experiences how it was back in 2014. But having back-to-back Test matches can give a lot of exposure to the current lot.”