Uma Chetry’s fielding abilities were praised by Munish Bali, the fielding coach of the Indian women’s cricket team, who also described the young wicketkeeper as a “truly hard-working cricketer.”
In the postponed second game of the three-match series, Chetry, 21, made her T20 International debut against South Africa on Sunday. She effectively removed a well-established Tanzim British team by stumping Deepti Sharma’s bowling.
Chetry had already lost a comparable opportunity when she grabbed the ball before the stumps when playing the British.
However, Bali supported the young player and mentioned how courageously she had fielded at the short-leg during last week’s Test match against South Africa.
“I was happy when she was handed her debut cap. During the Test, she fielded for around 70-80 overs — she is a brave girl,” he said during the post-match press conference.
“Standing at the short-leg is not easy. She got hit by the ball, but she stood there in pain. She has great attitude and is a truly hard-working cricketer. I was so happy for her to have stumped Brits.”
The second T20 International between South Africa and India wiped out by rain, with the visitors setting the hosts a goal of 178 to level the series.
Despite some slip-ups on the field, Bali was overall content with the team’s effort. “It’s difficult to grip the ball when it’s drizzling. But still, we fielded very well. We are working on it (fielding) and it’s in progress as we keep getting better slowly. “No one drops catches intentionally. The players have been practising hard during our (training) sessions, giving their best. At times, things click, and sometimes, it doesn’t. Errors happen during matches. So, we keep telling them to keep giving their best and results will follow,” he said.
Bali also praised the bowling effort of spinner Deepti Sharma, who returned with with figures of 2 for 20.
“Deepti is an experienced bowler. Having played all three formats, she knows where her strength lies, and she keeps backing herself. Also, her experience of bowling at the death is immense, which makes her a truly good bowler.”
I try to be present in the game and do the best I can: Anneke Bosch
Anneke Bosch, an all-rounder for South Africa, is unconcerned about being picked for the October T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.
“… but, you still cannot be sure if you will get a chance or not and it’s never guaranteed,” said Bosch, who scored a 32-ball 40 on and shared a 38-run stand with Brits on Sunday.
“So, it helps, but I don’t focus on that too much. I try to be present in the game and try to do the best I can at that moment. Whatever is meant to be, it will be.”
