Mithali still has the hunger to score runs: Coach Das

“I’m pretty happy the way we played and batted in England," says coach Shiv Sunder Das

Hyderabad: Shiv Sunder Das had the reputation of being an unassuming and no-nonsense cricketer. Now the 43-year-old former Indian opener has eased into his new role as batting coach of the women’s cricket team. Das possesses the right temperament as a coach. The likable Das passed the English test in his first tour with the women’s team.

“I’m pretty happy the way we played and batted in England. Though it was patchy, the batters did a good job under the circumstances though we would like a little more consistency. The way we came back in the Test match was very encouraging. The players showed a lot of character,’’ said Das on eve of the Australian tour where they will play three one-day matches, first-ever day/night Test match and three T20 internationals, starting from September 19. The team is leaving for Australia on Sunday after a 14-day hard quarantine in Bengaluru.

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Das said it will be a different challenge in Australia, particularly in the pink ball Test. “We are preparing for the tough tour accordingly looking at the conditions as there will be bounce and pace on those wickets. We had faced different challenges during the English tour. We had been hit by the Covid-19 and there were a lot of restrictions. It will continue in this tour also.’’

The former opener added that Mithali Raj is a role model to any young cricketer. “I always admire the way Mithali prepares for any match. Although she did not fare well in the Test match, she came back strongly in the three-match one-day series, particularly in the third match. She carried the bat through and won the match. She is a role model. At 38, she still has the hunger to score big in international cricket. She is mentally tough. The best part is that she still wants to learn. She is a good listener and wants to improve.’’

For Das, Shafali Verma is a special talent. “She is a free-stroking batter. She is different from others and we have to address her differently. For sure we can’t curb her stroke play.’’

Das pointed out that left-handed Smriti Mandhana is an elegant batter. “She can rise to the challenge and this Australian tour is a big one for her. The Australian wickets will suit her batting style.’’

Though Jemimah Rodrigues had a disappointing series with the Indian team in England, this exciting batter came good in the recent The Hundred tournament in England. “She is in a happy frame of mind and hopefully she carries this form in Australia.’’

For Harmanpreet Kaur, it is a matter of time before she will get those runs, felt Das. “She showed that form in the T20 matches. Obviously, in Australia she can excel with the bat.’’

Das was happy the way Sneha Rana showed her all-round qualities. “The way she batted and drew the Test match for India was admirable. She has the fighting qualities.’’

The coach said Deepti Sharma is an important member. “As a player she always looks to score runs or take wickets. While batting, she controls the game nicely.’’

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