Star India all-rounder Deepti Sharma has said that although the team has lost two matches on the trot, the morale is high in the camp because of the two spirited wins in the first two games of the ongoing
Women’s World Cup.
Deepti said that the week-long break has permitted the side to regroup and refocus ahead of their crucial clash against England in Indore on Sunday, October 19. India played their last game against Australia on October 12, but lost by three wickets.
India’s campaign stumbled with consecutive three-wicket defeats to South Africa and Australia last week, leaving them in a must-win situation, needing two wins from their remaining three league games to keep semifinal hopes alive.
“We have lost two matches, but our morale is very good because we played two good matches at the start of the tournament. We always go in with a positive mindset and focus more on what we have done well as a team,” Deepti said while speaking at the pre-match press conference.
India’s five-bowler strategy has faced criticism, as the lack of a sixth option proved costly in both losses. However, Deepti chose not to comment on whether the side would adjust its balance for the England clash.
“I cannot tell you that. That is the team management’s call. Different bowlers have stepped up in different matches. They have bowled in various phases, powerplay, middle overs, slog overs and everyone has been performing their roles,” Deepti said.
“We have planned well for tomorrow’s game,” Deepti added.
The last time India faced England, they bagged a memorable 2–1 ODI series victory over England on English soil. Deepti said that the win gives the side confidence ahead of the high-stakes rematch.
“The last away series against England gave us a lot of takeaways and we won there. It is about applying ourselves on the day. I know their bowling attack and how their batters approach the game, so I try to keep my plans simple,” Deepti said.
