Indian women team’s teen batting sensation, Shafali Verma, wishes to learn the art of batting long hours at the crease after her inclusion in the Test squad for the first time ahead of the tour of England.
Shafali, who has been outstanding for India in the T20Is, earned her maiden Test and ODI call-up as she featured in the common 18-member squad announced for the UK trip by the selectors for the two formats.
A firm believer in practising hard and not leaving a stone unturned in preparations, Shafali said she is keen to strengthen her resolve and range as batter and fit well into India’s plans across all formats going forward.
“[India] Women are getting to play their first Test in seven years. I have been given the chance [to be part of the Test squad], so my aim would be to learn from that Test match as much as I can about choosing the right balls to play, staying on in the middle as long as possible,”
they 17-year-old told ESPNcricinfo.
“All formats – ODIs, T20Is, and Tests – have different experiences and lessons to offer, so I would be looking forward to learning from both the ODI and Test formats,”
she added.
While an opportunity in Test cricket may still be some time away, Shafali’s ODI inclusion is a genuine cause of interest for Indian fans as her aggressive batting can give India early momentum into games, something they have been lacking. Through the England tour, Shafali will have a chance to cement her place in the side ahead of next year’s 50-over World Cup in New Zealand.
“Whenever I get a chance [call-up] like this, I look out for opportunities to play matches so that I am able to prove myself and my style of play and go on to build a good career for myself,”
“Everyone feels good after getting their maiden call-ups, and I felt good, too. My goal [in the upcoming tour of England] would be to make sure I score well for my team,”
Shafali said.
India women will take on England in three ODIs, three T20Is and a solitary Test on their forthcoming tour.
