Daijiworld Media Network – Chelmsford

Chelmsford, May 28: India will use the upcoming three-match T20I series against England as a key opportunity to finalise combinations ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup, especially in the absence of injured allrounders Amanjot Kaur and Kashvee Gautam.

Batting allrounder Amanjot was ruled out of India’s recent T20I series against South Africa due to a back injury, while seam-bowling allrounder Kashvee Gautam suffered a knee injury requiring surgery shortly after making her T20I debut during the same tour.

With India’s established stars occupying the top-order positions, players like Bharti Fulmali and Shreyanka Patil are expected to play an important role in the lower middle order. Left-arm spinner Radha Yadav and wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia have also returned to the squad ahead of Thursday’s opening match in Chelmsford.

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said the team’s focus would be on balancing victories with experimenting ahead of the World Cup.

“We are looking for the right combinations and at the same time we want to win because victories before the World Cup always boost confidence,” Harmanpreet said during the pre-match press conference.

She admitted that the injuries to Amanjot and Kashvee had forced the team management to rethink combinations.

“They have been very impressive talents for us, but unfortunately they are unavailable. We now have different combinations in mind and these three matches will give us more clarity before the T20 World Cup,” she added.

Radha Yadav returns to the squad after missing India’s recent T20I assignments. The spinner impressed during the Women’s Premier League with both bat and ball and is also regarded as one of the side’s best fielders.

Yastika Bhatia, returning after knee surgery, will provide back-up to wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh and strengthen India’s top-order options.

Harmanpreet expressed confidence in the squad depth and said the team would look to provide opportunities to players ahead of the global tournament.

“We have decent balance in the side. It is now about giving opportunities and getting the best out of the players,” she said.

The India skipper also reflected emotionally on the possibility of winning the World Cup in England — the same country where she made her T20I debut during the 2009 World Cup.

“It would be a dream come true to win the World Cup in England where I made my debut,” Harmanpreet remarked.

Meanwhile, England too are aiming to build consistency despite missing regular captain Nat Sciver-Brunt due to injury. Danni Wyatt-Hodge is expected to return from the second T20I onwards after maternity leave.

England wicketkeeper-batter Amy Jones said the recent T20I series against New Zealand provided valuable lessons ahead of the World Cup.

“A hard-fought series against New Zealand and another tough battle against India will be excellent preparation for us,” Jones said.

The Women’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on July 12.