Indian women’s legendary batswomen Mithali Raj said on Tuesday, India would use the upcoming T20 tri-series which includes England and Australia which will create a platform to prepare for the ICC Women’s World T20 scheduled to be held in the West Indies later this year. India women’s were white-wash by Australia in the recently-concluded three-match ODI series in Baroda. She also told “Australia would be the toughest opponents in the tr-series that begins on Thursday. They are more experienced than England,”

Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the Indian women’s in T20s with Smriti Mandhana as her deputy. After winning both ODI and T20I series in South Africa, India’s dismal show against Australia at home came as a big disappointment for them as well as Indian fans. Mithali blamed it on lack of preparation. “Apart from that, I think our bowlers were not as disciplined as they were in South Africa. We also lacked partnerships,” she said.

The 35-year-old, Mithali Raj who had led women in blue to the final of the ODI World Cup in England last year, said India need to invest in young players. Mithali Raj hailed BCCI contract as a great decision. “Players need to invest more, keep fitness level high and are expected to be professional on ground and perform their best. With contract system, every cricketer can aim to play for India,” she added.