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Xtra Time Web Desk: Indian women team’s dependable batsman Harmanpreet Kaur on Monday said it was a good experience to spend some time at the nets with Ajinkya Rahane at Southampton. Team India test vice captain Rahane spend some time interacting with the Indian women’s team ahead of their departure to Bristol to play the one off test match against England.

“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,” said Harmanpreet during a virtual press conference.

Harmanpreet, who is also the vice captain of Indian women test and ODI team has revealed that the team is banking on the experience of two senior pros Jhulan Goswami and captain Mithali Raj.  

 “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,” said Harmanpreet.

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. She also maintained that the youngster will be allowed to play her natural game.

“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,” said Harmanpreet.