Post 50-over success, Mithali says India must play more Tests

Update: 2017-07-27 18:05 GMT

Twenty20s and one-dayers are the formats driving women's cricket forward but it is only the ultimate challenge of playing Tests that will help India produce more world-class players, said skipper Mithali Raj who has played just 10 Tests in an 18-year-old career. Speaking at felicitation function organised by the BCCI, where each of the squad member was presented Rs 50 lakh by the Board, Mithali spoke of the importance of playing more Tests. The Ashes between Australia and England is the only regular Test fixture in women's cricket while other teams mainly play the shorter formats. India have played just five Tests in the last 10 years. "Test matches are the ultimate test for cricketers, whether it is your temperament, skill or endurance. However, women's cricket needs promotion and so far it has been done mainly through T20s and ODIs by the respective cricket boards," said Mithali at a special felicitation ceremony organised by the BCCI. 

"As of now, it seems every board wishes to market the sport through T20 and ODIs as they think they are the ideal formats. I feel Test matches should be played as frequently as limited over games because it churns out quality players. If the Indian team wants to play, the other teams should also be ready to play Test matches," she added. The Indian women's team has been busy attending a host of felicitations ever since it returned from England, where it exceeded expectations by reaching the World Cup final. They are not used to it but the entire squad was mobbed by the media and the fans. 

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