Women's Cricket: You won't forget the Indian experience

Skipper Clare Connor, wicketkeeper Mandie Godliman and opener Caroline Atkins are ready for the challenge.

The county team-mates and friends are looking forward to rising to it as they put the finishing touches to their preparation together.

Connor, on her third visit with England to the sub-continent, predicted the Sussex contingent will succeed despite an experience that will "assault the senses."

The 25-year-old from Brighton and Hove, in her sixth year with England, said: "We will cope, that is why we have been picked."

But, just to forewarn them, she has has given debut tourists Godliman and Atkins personal insights into what they are likely to face on and off the field.

"Mandie, Caroline and I have had the opportunity to train together because we live so close and it's been very enjoyable and worthwhile. The fact we have all been in a successful Sussex team is great, but when we get to India it is a whole new thing.

"I have told them what to expect.

"We will have nothing to fear from the wickets out there. From the men's Tests so far the wickets haven't turned enormously, they've been quite slow with plenty of runs. People might expect the ball to go at right angles but I've played over all India and we've never played on massively turning wickets.

"They know about the Indian bowlers and we'll continue to discuss what they can do.

"The big thing about India is what to expect from the crowd and the country and how you come to terms with it.

"They may be a bit hostile at times but the majority of the time you are treated like royalty as part of a touring cricket side, you feel like a princess.

"Even so you have to deal with some situations that assault the senses.

"There were scenes that shocked me during my visits. Driving to the ground begging mums put little toddlers up to the windscreens, some with limbs missing. There were suggestions they were taken away for the purpose of making him or her better to beg with. There's supposed to be begging pimps.

"I learned this week that the population of Australia is born every day in India. The sheer volume in the cities make it so claustrophic.

"There's also the health considerations. Both times I've been I've had dysentry. You have to be so careful what you eat and drink to the extend that you must make sure you do not let any water touch your mouth when you have a shower.

"I was fortunate that I saw the way of life in Romania that was upsetting when I was younger. That experience helped me deal with things when I've been to India. Of course having been to India twice now is of benefit, although some of the things I've seen will stay with me forever.

"I'll have my survival kit like water purifying, malaria and rehydration salts tablets. We are going from a cold English winter straight into to 34 degrees with a high humidity in Madras.

"John Spencer, head of cricket for 20 years at Brighton College where I work, toured India seven times and he has told all the touring party that if you don't go totally appreciative of what the country is you won't be happy. You have to appreciate the old and new of their ancient culture.

"They love their cricket. If Sachin Tendulkar is on 99 the whole country stands still. In Bombay there is one field that has 24 matches going on at the same time.

"But many of the party have had a sheltered upbringing. They will not have experienced anything like it.

"I'm sure Mandie will be okay because she's 28 and has had plenty of life experiences. She is so enthusiastic, bubbly and positive and vital to the team spirit.

"Caroline, although she's played for England in this country, hasn't been on a major tour before but I think she will be all right. She has a calm approach and a strong head.

"But it's a big ask for all of them particularly when they will be playing a one-day international within four days of arriving.

" I would just advise Mandie and Caroline to keep an open mind, take a step back and make their own decisions and remember they will be there to play cricket."

The Brighton College teacher added: "They are part of a side in flux. We beat South Africa last year, had a disappointing World Cup and struggled against Australia in the summer but now we have some new players and a new coach as part of what is perceived as a fresh start, although we've been progressing for a while.

"Certainly the coach John Harmer has made a big impact. He promotes a pure vision of cricket: it is a complicate game so keep things simple. He is also big on biomechanics. He has already achieved results, my game is better.

"We've got to view further horizons like the next World Cup and India is a step to towards that."

Connor's passion for the sport is still there after six years.

"I just love cricket."

So does Godliman, vice captain to Connor with Sussex, who had given up hope of making the England squad.

"I missed out on the 1993 squad which won the World Cup after being in the training squad but I kept persisting. I gave up a job to concentrate full-time on cricket to get into the last World Cup and again missed out.

"I thought, because of my age, that was it.

"But now the dream has come true at the ripe old age of 28. It's been years of struggle and I can't put it into words how much it means. Now I won't be satisfied by making up the numbers. Jane Cassar has been the England No.1 wicketkeeper keeping me out all this time, but hopefully I'll get my chance."

Godliman, a former Hurstpierpoint College teacher and now a Mid Sussex District Council sports development officer based at Haywards Heath, added: "I wish the tour had started as soon as I'd been told, I'm that up for it."

Atkins, from Burgess, Hill, is equally excited and will be prepared with her own survival kit.

"I've been told about the water siutation and to avoid oranges because they are squirted full of local water. Mints, I've been told, are a good thing to take because temperatures can be so dry that you need something to keep your mouth moist."