England women's pacer Isa Guha in an exclusive chat with espnstar.com recalls bowling to Sachin Tendulkar.

By Rajarshi Gupta

Eight years after her debut for England, 24 year-old Isa Guha is today a force to reckon with in women's cricket. She has been a major cog in the team's success at the international level and despite her hectic schedule, has managed to juggle a few balls well. Isa touring India with her national team, took some time out for an exclusive chat with espnstar.com. Excerpts.

Rajarshi Gupta: Cricket, wickets and biochemistry. Just how do you manage it?

Isa Guha: have to plan everything well and be organised. I prioritise different things at different times, so when a cricket tour is coming up, cricket takes priority. But then there are times when I need to focus on my studies. I think it’s good to have a balance.

RG: You have been part of two world champion (ODI's and T20's) women's teams where as the men haven't won either.

IG: I think our success has been down to hard work and being well prepared. Back in 2005, we lost in the semi-final of the World Cup and that was a great learning curve for the team. It gave us a goal and even more of a hunger to win the World Cup, so we went away and set ourselves a long-term plan to do it.

There has also been more focus on the development of women’s cricket over the last few years, which has helped to raise the profile of the game and give more opportunities with competitions like the Super 4’s.

RG: Who is your favourite male cricketer?
 
IG: Former England fast bowler, Darren Gough

RG: Has T20 cricket really helped teams develop the other two formats?   
IG: I think you see in the men’s game more hard hitting and bigger shots, which is becoming regular to some extent in the women’s games too. In T20, because of the pace of the game, everyone is constantly involved in the field, you have to work as a team covering each other, there’s no time to take your eye off the ball. This something we do really well as a team in T20 and One day games.
 
It’s also great to watch T20, it’s fast and exciting, I think it’s a really good way to get more people watching and involved in cricket.

RG: Have you followed the IPL? Why not a similar tourney for women?

IG: Yes I am following the IPL. I think it would be great for the women’s game, creating more competition and showcasing the worlds best players from different countries. It would also be a stepping-stone to women’s cricket becoming professional.

RG: Any plans to have a word with Dhoni and Tendulkar during the India tour?

IG: Some of us were lucky enough to meet Sachin Tendulkar a few nights ago when he was in the same hotel restaurant as us for dinner with his family. But I have met him before a few years ago in England, he was practicing in the nets at Lord’s and me and Caroline Atkins bowled at him!