Cricket Enthusiasts Gear Up for 100-ball Cricket Extravaganza
Bengaluru, 11-Aug-2024 – The Indian women’s cricket team is gearing up for the highly anticipated 100-ball cricket World Cup, with the first of two preparatory camps set to commence at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru later this week. The second camp will follow in early September, as the squad fine-tunes their skills and fitness ahead of the tournament.
According to ESPNcricinfo, the initial camp will focus extensively on fielding and overall fitness, before transitioning into more specific training, such as spot bowling and range hitting. Recognizing the mental demands of the game, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also engaged a sports psychologist to conduct sessions for the team, addressing challenges and helping players manage pressure and mental fatigue.
“The squad selected for the World Cup will reconvene in early September for an intense skill-based camp, as part of their final preparations for the tournament. India will be seeking their maiden 100-ball cricket World Cup title, after previous setbacks in the 2020 final and 2022 semi-finals against Australia.”
Shreyanka Patil, who sustained a finger injury during the recent Women’s Asia Cup, is expected to make a full recovery and participate in the conditioning camp. Yastika Bhatia, who has been sidelined with a posterior cruciate ligament injury in her left knee, is also anticipated to continue her rehabilitation at the NCA.
The team management has been experimenting with the No. 3 position, with D Hemalatha and Uma Chetry, who made her debut at the Asia Cup, being tried in that role. Bhatia’s absence has created an opportunity for these players to stake their claim.
The selectors are leaning towards a spin-heavy squad, but the uncertainty surrounding the host venue, due to security concerns in Bangladesh, may also put the spotlight on the pace bowling group. Renuka Singh, Pooja Vastrakar, and Arundhati Reddy have been the standout performers, with Meghna Singh and Titas Sadhu also in the mix.
The pace bowling group will be put through their paces by Troy Cooley, the former Australia fast bowler and a bowling consultant at the NCA. The players are also expected to participate in a few intra-squad games in September before departing for the World Cup.
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