Harmanpreet Kaur: Jhulan Goswami is special

India vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur convinced about veteran pacer Goswami providing breakthroughs in one-off Test; Shafali Verma could make debut

Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian women’s Test and ODI vice-captain is banking on experienced pacer Jhulan Goswami to hit the high notes when the Mithali Raj-led outfit tackle England in the one-off Test at Bristol from Wednesday.

Like skipper Mithali, experienced campaigner Goswami, 38, has featured in 10 Tests for the country. Mithali has scored 663 Test runs, while Goswami’s Test wicket tally is 40.

“Jhulan is someone who always takes the lead. She is always special to us and will always provide us breakthroughs. In Tests, you need breakthroughs, you need someone who can give you wickets. I think she will be fantastic in this Test match as well,” Harmanpreet said during a virtual press conference from Bristol on Monday.

Harmanpreet Kaur. Pic/AFP

‘Shafali can dominate’

Though Harmanpreet did not release the playing XI, she hinted that teenaged batting sensation Shafali Verma could make her Test debut at the Gloucestershire venue. Verma knows what it’s like to represent her country; she’s played 22 T20Is. 

“We’d always want Shafali to play. She is someone who can dominate. She is a natural player and if we talk about her technique or game plan then she can get disturbed. She is just 17, so I don’t think it is right to speak such things with her. We are all just trying to create a good situation, which helps her experience less pressure and enjoy her cricket. She is looking great in the nets,” remarked Harmanpreet, who has represented India in 104 ODIs and 114 T20I games.

Rahane helps India eves

Harmanpreet, 32, who is the T20 team skipper, revealed how Ajinkya Rahane, who is also in England for the June 18-22 World Test Championship final against New Zealand and the five-Test series against England, has helped them prepare for the red-ball challenge.

“I have not played much red-ball cricket; just two Tests. We got a chance to speak to Rahane. We picked his brains on how to bat in the longer format,” added Harmanpreet.

Also Read: Coach Ramesh Powar backs Shafali Verma to shine on England tour

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