“We have momentum. We won in Bangladesh and we won against South Africa,” Muzumdar said two days after the Test in Chennai. “The format is different but at the same time we are trying to focus on every game. The demands (of Test play) are different and I think the team is ready for that. When it comes to development, the three are batting, bowling and fielding. “I think there are four departments (that can be improved),” he said.
The team has just five days to prepare for the upcoming Test against South Africa after the ODI on June 23, but Muzumdar feels the players are aware of the difficulty of switching formats, considering that red-ball cricket is part of their long-term plan.
“In December we played England and Australia, back-to-back Tests,” he said. “We know that red-ball cricket is going to be a part of women’s cricket going forward, so we think the inter-regional matches in March-April are very important. The players also know that what we are focusing on is white-ball cricket or So that you get the message that it’s not just T20, we’re also focused on the red ball, we know the players, we’re prepared for the multi-day format and I think it’s another thing to adapt to that. This is a story.
“These are the requirements of modern cricket. As a team, we know we cannot avoid them, so we try to meet all the requirements. It is not easy, but at the same time it is a challenge and we take it as a challenge. To adapt to different formats. “
With India switching format, the core of the team will remain unchanged, but the likes of Shubha Satheesh, Sneh Rana, Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Meghna Singh, who have not played any ODIs, will come up for the Test.
“I think these four players are very important players. We held a camp at NCA about 15 days ago and we were specifically given what to do in the camp,” Muzumdar said. “So, I already have a job. They shared the work and told me to do a few things when I got home. They even gave me a weekly chart. So it’s perfect.” “We had a practice session with those four players yesterday, even when they came here and were in the squad, and they looked really good.”
“It’s not a bad idea to have a Test championship,” he said. “That’s something to look forward to, but that’s for the board to decide. And if that happens, it’s much better for the game. Test cricket is always special and we’ll keep it that way so you know every game counts. “I want to do it (regardless of the context) – be it ODIs, T20s or Test matches, I know there is no Test championship to look forward to, but at the same time we go into every game to win.”
“She’s obviously extremely talented and that’s why she’s here,” he said. “We made a conscious decision to include her in the team so she can get a feel for the dressing room and the atmosphere and culture we are creating. She gets first-hand experience of it. She is definitely a good talent and has a lot going forward. You will hear more about her.”
Sruthi Ravindranath is a sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo.
