Having earned maiden Test call-up, Shafali Verma eyeing to learn the art of playing long

India’s teenage batting sensation Shafali Verma wants to make most of the opportunity after she received her maiden Test and ODI call-ups for the upcoming all-format tour to England. Verma wants to improve on her decision-making skills around playing and leaving the balls which are on a good length on the swing and seaming conditions in England.

The 17-year-old is the youngest Indian woman to play T20I cricket. The hard-hitting batter took the world by storm by playing a fearless brand of cricket in the Women’s T20 Challenge during the 2019 season.

Her effortless striking caught the attention of selectors and she was soon included in the squad for the South Africa series. She was in fact India’s leading run-getter in the ICC T20 World Cup in the year 2020 where India finished as runners-up.

 Looking forward to learning from both formats: Shafali Verma

“[India] Women are getting to play their first Test in seven years. I have been given the chance [to be part of the Test squad], so my aim would be to learn from that Test match as much as I can about choosing the right balls to play, staying on in the middle as long as possible,” Verma told ESPNcricinfo.

“All formats – ODIs, T20Is, and Tests – have different experiences and lessons to offer, so I would be looking forward to learning from both the ODI and Test formats.”

Her blistering and attacking brand of cricket would be useful for India in the ODIs too as India aims to finally end the trophy-drought in the 50 over World Cup scheduled to take place in New Zealand in the year 2022. She is hopeful of getting her chances in the England series and hopes to learn a lesson or two by playing longer just like her idol Steve Smith.

“Whenever I get a chance [call-up] like this, I look out for opportunities to play matches so that I am able to prove myself and my style of play and go on to build a good career for myself,” Verma said. “Everyone feels good after getting their maiden call-ups, and I felt good, too. My goal [in the upcoming tour of England] would be to make sure I score well for my team.”