Team India captain Jhulan Goswami says her girls are mentally and physically fit to take on England at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup today
Team India captain Jhulan Goswami says her girls are mentally and physically fit to take on England at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup todayIn the words of captain Jhulan Goswami, the Indian women players are "mentally very tough, physically very fit and playing excellent cricket" as they prepare for today's clash against England in their second match of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in North Sydney.
The team's morale is high following their crushing 10-wicket victory over Pakistan in the opening match of the tournament last Saturday. The Indian girls rattled up the requisite runs for victory without losing a wicket after dismissing the opposition for a paltry 57.
Earlier, the Indian team defeated South Africa and New Zealand in warm-up matches. Drawn with Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka in their group, they have a good chance of qualifying for the Super Sixes second phase of the competition.
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India's Anjum Chopra (left) walks off the field as England celebrate taking her wicket during their ICC Women's World Cup match in Sydney early this morning. pic/AP |
Fancied to retain their title, defending champions Australia are currently at the bottom of their four-team group after losing to New Zealand by 13 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis system on Sunday.
Lisa Sthalekar, the Australian vice-captain, was caught at the wicket for six but effected a brilliant run out with a direct hit from cover point.
Pak bounce back
In other matches, the West Indies beat South Africa by two wickets after dismissing them for 116 at Newcastle and Pakistan bounced back after their humiliation at the hands of India to defeat Sri Lanka by 57 runs in Canberra.
Pakistan scored 161 for seven from their 50 overs, then bowled out Sri Lanka for 104. Qanita Jalil took three for 33, while Sri Lanka's Shashikala Siriwardena scored 58, the highest score of the match.
Meanwhile, England fast bowler Jenny Gunn and Sri Lanka off-spinner have been reported because of suspected illegal actions.
The bowlers were reported by umpires Gerard Abood and Kathy Cross at the conclusion of their match yesterday, in which England defeated Sri Lanka.
The umpires raised concerns over Gunn's short-pitched and Fernando's quicker deliveries.
The ICC announced yesterday that the bowlers' actions will be assessed by their own country "immediately", but the players will be allowed to continue playing international tournaments.
