India women’s team cricketer Smriti Mandhana on Wednesday said multi-format series was the way to go as it gave players a chance to play in all formats of the game while also making every match extremely competitive.
According to the points system in multi-format series, two points are awarded for each limited-overs win, while four points are awarded for a win in a Test match. A drawn or tied test sees teams split points.
Ahead of the multi-format series against Australia, which begins with the first One Day International at the Great Barrier Reef Arena here, Mandhana said during the unveiling of the India/Australia Women’s Series trophy at the Fox Cricket event, “Together with the multi-format series.” Format, every game is important (to earn points)… that’s why I like the format. (And) playing Test matches (here) is every cricketer’s dream.”
After three ODIs at Mackay, India will play a one-off D/N Test at the Metricon Stadium in Gold Coast from 30 September to 3 October, followed by a three-match T20I series at the same venue. The series will conclude on October 10.
Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Alyssa Healy also agrees with her Indian counterpart’s views on the multi-format series.
This is the first time Australia women will play a side other than England in a multi-format series and if the two teams draw on eight points each, the trophy will be shared. Healy also hoped that the India/Australia Women’s Series Trophy could become a regular affair for the India-Australia men’s team clash like the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
“I think talks are happening now and we can see if it can work out (the series is becoming a regular affair), why not?” Healy said. “I like that it’s talked about. I wouldn’t say it’s going to be the new benchmark (against all teams), but imagine the Kiwis standing up and saying ‘we’re really going to have these multi-tasks’. Interested in playing one of the -format series’.
“It is really fun to be a part of this multi-format series and the point structure is just a complete ball game. I never thought we would have two Tests in one summer… It’s really exciting to be able to play against India and then England in the Ashes. My Baggy Green rests neatly in my backpack and hopefully I can pull it over my head twice (this summer),” Healy said.
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