Indian star delighted to lead side in home country

Asia women's cricket captain Mithali Raj has mixed feelings on the forthcoming Twenty20 game against Africa but feels it will provide an excellent opportunity for followers of the game to assess the quality of women's cricket.

And she adds she would like to win the 5 June game in Bangalore because of its added significance as the first match of its kind.

"I am absolutely delighted at the prospect of being the first woman to lead an Asian side. It's a big, big honour. But I am unsure how the match will go because this format of the game is pretty new to most of the players from both sides.

"Nevertheless, it is going to be very exciting and definitely a huge learning experience for all. I am hoping to end up on the winning side because first win always has a very special place in your memory," 25 year-old Raj said.

Raj emerged as one of India's most capable batsman when, aged 19, she scored a staggering 214 against England in the second and final Test at Taunton in August 2002. She now averages 52 from eight Tests while in 93 ODIs she averages 45.50 with 2,776 runs.

"Since our game will be played before the men's match, I am sure there will be plenty of people in the stadium. It will not only provide the much needed atmosphere but will also allow the spectators to see for themselves how women's cricket has come out of age.

"Obviously it will not be a big-hitting game like the men but it will surely have many exciting moments. Women need some time to understand and digest this format of the game but with the increased number of international matches nowadays I am sure it will not take long to adjust and learn," said Raj, who inspired India to the 2005 Women's World Cup final in South Africa where Australia proved too strong.

Raj feels the merger of women's cricket with the International Cricket Council (ICC) has increased the profile of the sport.

"There are more regular tournaments now while the quadrangular tournament in Chennai (which also involved Australia, England and New Zealand earlier this year) was extremely well organized. I think it is because of the direct involvement of the respective boards and the ICC that we are now getting as good a set of playing facilities as the men.

"Nevertheless, women's cricket development is an ongoing process and we need more and more opportunities to learn and master this sport," she said.