There are very few players who can hold their place in a national spirit on the basis of spirit alone. Although she has ample prowess with both bat and ball, fighting spirit and a never say die attitude are the two things that make Smitha Harikrishna a successful cricketer. Although not as well known as some of the other stars in the Indian team, Smitha is rated very highly by her teammates. Batting with equal ease in the top order and the lower middle order, Smitha favours playing with a straight bat. When batting high up in the order she takes a bit of time to get her eye in, but if the situation demands it she is not one to hang around. Bowling brisk mediumpacers, Smitha is never going to hold her place in the side as a bowler alone. Captains often use her as a partnership breaker. She is unafraid to attack the stumps and if anything bowls full rather than short. With her attitude, she could be one if India's key players in the CricInfo Women's World Cup 2000 if some of the key players have an off day.

(Anand Vasu)