Renuka Singh has cleared all tests: India coach shares update before Australia ODIs

India pacer Renuka Singh has cleared all fitness and medical tests ahead of the three-match ODI series against Australia. Head coach Amol Muzumdar confirmed her return to the national side after a brief injury layoff.

Renuka has not played any cricket this year due to a stress fracture and last appeared on the field in March for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).

She has also been selected for the Women’s World Cup starting September 30 and joined the Indian camp on Friday for her first training session.

Also Read: Harleen Deol thrilled as dream of parents watching her in India colours comes true

“Renuka has just joined in for this series. She was recovering and she cleared all her tests. Renuka is an important member of the team, she is the leader of the pack as far as medium-pace bowling is concerned. I think she’s been an integral part of this team. She had an injury, layoff, and now she’s back with us,” Muzumdar told the reporters.

Renuka has been a genuine wicket-taker for India in ODIs, claiming 35 wickets in 19 matches at an economy of 4.85, including four four-wicket hauls and a five-wicket haul.

‘Planning and execution’

Muzumdar also highlighted the series as an important preparation for the World Cup, especially against defending champions Australia.

“Australia has been the dominant force for so many years, but we focus on our preparations, and we tend to give a lot of importance to how we prepare ourselves, how we plan and how we are going to execute it. How can we focus internally,” Muzumdar added.

India’s ODI series against Alyssa Healy’s Australia begins on Sunday, September 14, with the opening match at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.

India will open their World Cup campaign on September 30 against Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.