Kolkata: World record holder Indian women’s pacer Jhulan Goswami said on Saturday that the English setting might prove to be a tough tour for the Indian cricket team in the ICC Women’s World Cup which begins on the 24th of June.
The leading wicket-taker in the Women’s ODI’s was felicitated in a programme organised by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) in Kolkata on Sunday. She was felicitated with a silver crown.
“England is a challenging place for cricket. Weather plays an important part. We will go there on 11th and will play a few practice matches. The team which acclimitises best will have the advantage,” the 34-year old told reporters.
India will face the hosts England on the 24th of June in their first match of the World Cup in Birmingham.
“We will all want to do well. We have been working very hard for this tournament. A world Cup takes place every four years. On the day, whoever performs well will win,” said the Bengali girl.
Goswami played her first match for India in 2002. She has played 155 ODIs and 10 Tests for India and scalped 185 and 40 wickets so far.
After almost a decade-long record of Cathryn Fitzpatrick from Australia, Goswami only recently became the highest wicket-taker in the ODI history.
Breaking Fitzpatrick’s record of 180 wickets from 109 matches, Goswami had statistics of 3/20 in 7.3 overs. She defeated Raisibe Ntozakhe of South Africa in an ongoing ODI in order to win her 181st victim in the 50-over format.
“I would like to thank my family, friends and coach. They were with me through thick and thin,” Goswami said.
About Sunday’s match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, Goswami said, “India-Pakistan will be an exciting match and I am looking forward to watching it. It is always special when the two teams lock horns. You cannot predict who will win but whoever holds their nerve will come out winners.”
Goswami praised former ICC and BCCI president late Jagmohan Dalmiya.
“He was the best administrator. His contribution is not unknown to the game and I will remain indebted to him forever for all the help and support throughout my career.”