ENG-W v IND-W 2021: India's predicted playing XI for the one-off Test

All-rounder: Deepti Sharma

Deepti Sharma adds balance to India Women's playing XI

The only out-and-out all-rounder in the India Women team for the one-off Test against England Women, Deepti Sharma adds balance to the playing XI at either No. 6 or No. 7.

The off-spinning all-rounder has been a consistent performer since making her debut in 2014, and comes into this Test on the back of extraordinary performances for Bengal Women in the Women's Senior One-Day Trophy earlier this year.

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Bowlers: Pooja Vastrakar, Jhulan Goswami, Shikha Pandey, Ekta Bisht

Jhulan Goswami has played 10 Tests so far.

India Women have a plethora of bowling options to choose from, with the only two constants being the experienced duo of Shikha Pandey and Jhulan Goswami.

Goswami was part of India Women's previous Test back in 2014 and has played 10 red-ball matches for the country. Pandey has only four wickets in the two Tests she has been part of, but she has gone from strength to strength over the last few years.

The role of the third pacer could go to Pooja Vastrakar, due to the extra pace and nip she boasts of. Arundhati Reddy is another option, but the 23-year-old has never even played an ODI for India and could find herself on the bench in Bristol.

India Women several spin options to choose from. Poonam Yadav, one of three players in the squad with a Grade A contract, may not be entirely suited to the Test format due to the pace at which she bowls. Ekta Bisht, who incidentally missed out on a central contract, could lead the spin attack against England Women.

Radha Yadav and Sneh Rana are other alternatives, but Bisht might be the best option.