Goswami seeks to learn from Dhoni

Jhulan Goswami, India's new women's captain, has said she will take inspiration from the performance of Mahendra Singh Dhoni during the team's tour of Australia, her first assignment in charge. Dhoni, who took over as India's limited-overs captain last year, led the men's team to victory in the CB Series in Australia earlier this year.

"Now that I have a new job on my hands, I am looking up to Dhoni, particularly for our coming tour of Australia," Goswami told the Indian Express. Goswami, a fast bowler, said she and her team-mates would try to adopt a similar approach to that of the men's team. "Dhoni is a special lesson for me on the captaincy front. I am the captain now.

"My first job is to understand the manner and positive approach with which Dhoni led the Indian team in Australia. And I will also ask my team members to follow the same example. I think it will do us a world of good on our tour to Australia."

The Australia trip, starting October 22, features five ODIs and one Twenty20 international, and Goswami said it will be the ideal build-up for the World Cup in February 2008, also in Australia. "This Australia tour is very crucial as preparation for next year's World Cup. I have been to Australia before, but this trip will act as good preparation for everyone since it is this team, more or less, that will play in the World Cup there next year." India will play at two of the six venues for the World Cup, which will be staged in New South Wales.

India's disappointing performance in England, where they lost 4-0 in the ODIs, led to the sacking of Mithali Raj as captain. Goswami, though, felt their relationship won't be affected. "I spoke to Mithali after she was removed from captaincy. I explained it's a decision taken by the selectors. Mithali and I are great friends and it will continue to be that way."

Australia beat India in the final of the 2005 World Cup in South Africa. India last toured the country in 2006, losing the one-off Test and all three ODIs. But Goswami felt India were better prepared this time. "There are seniors like Anjum Chopra, Mithali Raj, Rumeli Dhar and young talents like Priyanka Roy, Thirush Kamini and others. It's a nice blend of experience and youth. I am confident that if we stay positive we will surely be in a commanding position this time."

The 15-member squad will take part in a preparatory camp from October 13 in Mumbai, before leaving for Australia on October 18 or 19.