Three India eves in WWC ‘Dream Team’

SYDNEY: Three Indians, including former captain Mithali Raj, figured in the team of the tournament of the ICC Women’s World Cup announced on Monday.Fast bowler Amita Sharma and wrist spinner Priyanka Roy were the other two Indians who found place in the World XI team. Skipper of the Cup-winning English side and ICC Women’s Player of the Year in 2008, Charlotte Edwards was named captain of the 12-woman world team.Five of the team are from champion England while losing finalist New Zealand has provided three, including the 12th woman. Third-placed India has three and fourth-placed Australia has one representation.The world team was selected by a specially assembled panel of experts, headed by former Australia captain Belinda Clark, which had also picked the player of the tournament.The side includes five specialist batters — Suzie Bates, Shelley Nitschke, Claire Taylor, Mithali Raj and Charlotte Edwards — an all-rounder in Kate Pulford while Sarah Taylor has been picked as wicketkeeper/batter.The four bowlers include wrist spinner Priyanka Roy and off-spinner Laura Marsh and fast bowlers Katherine Brunt and Amita Sharma. The players who made the team will be presented with commemorative caps to mark their selection.Announcing the side, Belinda Clark, who is the most successful batter in women’s ODIs with 4,844 runs, said, “It has been a very difficult decision to select the team as there were some very strong performances throughout the event.”Team of the Tournament ICC Women’s World Cup 2009: Suzie Bates (New Zealand), Shelley Nitschke (Australia) Claire Taylor (England), Mithali Raj (India), Charlotte Edwards (England, captain), Kate Pulford (New Zealand), Sarah Taylor (England, wicket-keeper), Amita Sharma (India), Katherine Brunt (England), Priyanka Roy (India), Laura Marsh (England), 12th woman: Sophie Devine (New Zealand).