ENG W vs IND W | Need to work on a lot of things as a team going into the World Cup, asserts Smriti Mandhana 

After reaching the high of qualifying for the finals of the last T20 World Cup, the Indian women's side have put up disappointing performances. They lost the ODI and T20I series at home against South Africa 1-4 and 1-2 respectively. They played out of their skin to draw the one-off Test against England but then again faced defeat in the ODI series 1-2. However, the Women in Blue can turn around their fortunes if they win the T20I series decider against England. 

"And of course, our bowling and fielding can get consistent. We are probably one good performance (away) and then becoming okay, so I think we can be consistent in that department as well," she said.

"Next seven months will be very crucial to get ourselves ready before the World Cup (in New Zealand). Of course, the Australia series will also going to be big in terms of preparations for the World Cup," said Mandhana.

There was a time when Smriti Mandhana was the brightest opener for India. Then emerged Shafali Verma, who's not only doing a great job for India but is the biggest young star in the very sport, even if we consider men's cricket, let alone women's cricket. Mandhana reflected on the experience of opening alongside her and remarked that it's an exciting thing to partner the teenager.

"We have had discussions about the middle overs and death overs and how we can get better. Losing wickets too many at a time puts a break in run-rate and puts pressure on the new batters. It has happened in previous formats as well. We all have understood our mistakes and will hope to rectify them," she said.