Adjusting to the longest format requires both the physical and mental aspects: Smriti Mandhana

In the world of women's cricket, Test matches are a rare sighting. India, in particular, have been on a Test cricket hiatus since 2021, making the upcoming one-off Test against England in Mumbai a much-anticipated event. For a team conditioned to the fast-paced nature of T20s and ODIs, transitioning to the red-ball format poses a unique set of challenges.

Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana shared insights into the hurdles her team faces, emphasizing the dual nature of the challenge. She said that It requires both the physical and mental aspects to switch the format from white ball to red ball cricket.

"It (adjusting to the longest format) requires both the physical and mental aspects. Our bodies aren't used to four back-to-back days of cricket as we are generally used to playing T20s and ODIs which have gaps. Playing two back-to-back T20s is something we were already mentally prepared for. Because playing for four continuous days, more than the physical part, it's about focussing each and every ball,” Mandhana said during a press conference in Navi Mumbai.

Furthermore, Smriti Mandhana highlighted the mental switch as a crucial factor for success, noting the need for intense focus throughout the game. To address this, the team held its first meeting to kickstart the mental preparation process.

"It's the first time we had a meeting as a team. We had a few before the series started in Bangalore but this is the first time we are all together as a team. Mental preparation starts from today. Hopefully we can execute what we discussed and perform the way Test cricket wants us to play," the southpaw continued.

India's recent track record in Test cricket has been commendable, with six matches played since their defeat to Australia in 2005 resulting in three wins and three draws. Notably, series victories in England in 2006 and 2014 underline India's prowess in the format. The return of Test cricket to the country after a lengthy gap has left Mandhana brimming with excitement. 

"Definitely very excited. We last played in 2014 or 2016? Yeah, 2014 back in Mysore against South Africa. Lots of things have changed for women's cricket since then, especially post 2017. We could see that change at the Wankhede when we were playing the T20Is this series. The kind of crowds that are coming, the support we're getting and of course, the equal pay matter that you mentioned. Above all, really excited to wear whites again, represent India in whites and that's a different feeling,” she added.

We are now playing two Test matches in 15 days, I don't think it's ever happened: Smriti Mandhana

Smriti Mandhana emphasized the importance of maintaining a straightforward approach for the much-awaited Test match against England Women. Notably, the upcoming Test match against England marks the beginning of a busy month for India, with another one-off Test against Australia scheduled towards the end of December. Besides, the southpaw also addressed the concerns around the team's limited experience in red-ball cricket and maintained a positive outlook, attributing it to the focus on T20s and ODIs in recent years.

"If you think about it (adapting to red-ball cricket) a lot, it can be hard. If you keep it simple, it can be easy. So it depends on how you are going to take it. We are now playing two Test matches in 15 days, as a team I don't think it's ever happened since I've been part of the team," Mandhana said while expressing her enthusiasm for the packed schedule.