World Cup teams prepare to survive subcontinent grind

Heat and humidity will challenge the teams ina different way at women’s WC

- Samreen Razzaq

India played Australia in a three-match ODI series last week.

Even before a ball is bowled at the Women's ODI World Cup in India, the fight has already begun.

Not against the bowling attacks or batting orders, but against the subcontinental conditions themselves. Even though the Indian monsoon has not passed and the temperatures are down to the 30s, the heat is still unrelenting. The energy-sapping humidity and heat demand patience as much as power from players from Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa.

Australia, defending champions, know that better than most and have been bracing themselves for their seven weeks in India. Coming straight out of winter, the contrast in weather conditions is stark.

“Tt really hard to replicate alot of the conditions here in Australia,” spin-all rounder Georgia Wareham said ina virtual interaction. “What's important for us is to stay as fresh as we can for what’s going to bea long stint. Once we're over there, it’s about adapting quickly to the conditions through the India series and warm-ups.”