Ahead of ICC Women’s ODI WC, India focus on match simulations in Vizag camp

India women’s head coach Amol Muzumdar on Saturday said the ongoing match simulation drills at the ICC ODI World Cup preparatory camp in Visakhapatnam were focused on ensuring batters spend quality time in the middle.

“What we want to really get is a good batting time in the middle. Just talking about the bowlers, I think the field settings are very crucial. We will be working on that in the match,” Muzumdar said in a video shared by the BCCI on its social media handles.

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The World Cup squad, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, has been training at the ACA-VDCA Stadium since August 25 ahead of next month’s three-match ODI series against Australia, which precedes the global event.

“All of us have a way to get into flow. Think of yourself getting into that flow,” Muzumdar was heard telling players, as vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and Harleen Deol took part in the match simulations.

Several India ‘A’ players, fresh from their multi-format tour of Australia, have also joined the camp. “The talk within this group is all about improvement and how we can take this team forward,” Muzumdar added.

The ACA-VDCA Stadium will also stage India’s World Cup fixtures against South Africa (October 9) and defending champions Australia (October 12). India are yet to win the Women’s ODI World Cup, finishing runners-up in 2005 and 2017.

Along with Visakhapatnam, matches will also be played in Colombo, Guwahati, Indore, and Navi Mumbai, with the eight-team tournament scheduled from September 30 to November 2.

Meanwhile, the ICC announced on Saturday that a portal has been opened for fans to register their interest in tickets. Supporters have been asked to provide basic details, along with preferred venues and teams they wish to watch in action.

The tournament will kick off with the opener between India and Sri Lanka at the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) Stadium in Guwahati on September 30.