India are all set to kick-off their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 campaign against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, September 30. Their opening fixture is all set to be played at the Barsapara Cricket stadium
in Guwahati. To start their preparation for the all important campaign, India are currently scheduled to play warm-up matches against England and New Zealand respectively.
The first warm-up match between India and England is already underway at the BCCI Centre of Excellence ground located in Bengaluru. India won the toss and elected to bowl first. Nat-Sciver Brunt’s magnificent 120 runs and Emma Lamb’s electrifying 84 runs have guided the English side to put up a massive score of 340 runs for India to chase. However, a terrifying incident during the 13th over of the innings left the whole Indian’s women team in shock. Arundhati Reddy, who is a leading pacer for the team, was stretched off the field due to injury.
India lose crucial pacer to injury one week ahead of the Women’s World Cup
As she bowled the fourth delivery of her over to Heather Knight, the English batter hit the ball straight toward the bowler, in an attempt to catch the ball, the ball hit straight onto the legs of Arundhati after which she completely lost her balance and collapsed on the pitch. Unable to lift herself off the pitch, the medical attention was rushed in immediately on the pitch. After immediate help, she tried to walk off the field. However, she could not balance and all the weight was being forced onto one leg.
Immediately a wheelchair was brought onto the pitch in order to assist Arundhati off the field and she sat on it and left the field in immense pain. This is a huge blow to the Indian women’s team considering that the World Cup campaign is set to begin from next week. One option for Team India is to bring in the likes of Sayali Satghare to replace the injured Arundhati Reddy while there are a couple of options available in the spin department if India wish to use them. India will hope for the speedy recovery of Arundhati Reddy.
