OPTIMISTIC: The captains, Charlotte Edwards, Haidee Tiffen, Karen Roltan and Mithali Raj are all smiles. — Photo: K. Pichumani

Chennai: The ICC women's quadrangular one-day cricket tournament kicks off with India meeting England and Australia taking on New Zealand here on Wednesday.

Each side will face each other twice in the league that precedes the final on March 5. World champion Australia starts as the favourite.

India, led by Mithali Raj, will have a job on its hands against the Charlotte Edwards-led England at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. India disappointed in the ODI series in England last year, but has, subsequently, run into form in the Asia Cup.

Onus on fielding

At the press meet, organised by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association, on Monday night, Mithali said her side had undergone some specific drills in fielding, an area that has not always shown the side in favourable light.

The Indian team, coached by Sudha Shah, is a blend of experience and youth. The side has in Mithali, Anjum Chopra, Hemalata Kala, and Jhulan Gowswami, players who have seen several summers. Anjum, incidentally, has completed a hundred matches for the country. India expects sizable runs from the left-handed Anjum and Mithali.

Jhulan spearheads the pace bowling department. The side has a competent spin attack, where leg-spinning all-rounder Thirush Kamini is a new addition.

England captain Charlotte spoke about adjusting to what could be hot and humid conditions. "We have come here from - 5 degree temperature and it has not been easy. But we are sure we would acclimatise," she said.

Charlotte, vice-captain Laura Newton, and Claire Taylor bring with them plenty of experience. The English skipper was also keen on developing spinners on this campaign.

The teams have had practice sessions and have played practice matches preceding the competition.

The visiting teams appreciated the pitches. "They were pitches with true bounce and had some pace and carry," said Australian captain Karen Roltan. Charlotte and New Zealand skipper Haidee Tiffen echoed similar views.

Australia and New Zealand face-off at the picturesque IIT-Chemplast ground, which has come in for praise from both the sides. Australia is a well-balanced outfit with multi dimensional cricketers. Lisa Sthalekar is an off-spinning all-rounder with proven credentials. And Cathryn Fitzpatrick is arguably the quickest bowler in women's cricket.

But then, New Zealand, always efficient, could stretch Australia. Women to women, the side might not be as strong as Australia, but as skipper Haidee said, her team would fight hard.

The matches — all 50 over-a-side duels — will begin at 9.30 a.m. Doordarshan will telecast the matches live.

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