Goswami to wear golden armband

Jhulan Goswami, the India women's captain, will wear a golden armband during the ODI series in Australia as a mark of being the No. 1 bowler in the women's rankings.

"It is a big thing for me in my career to wear the golden armband and play the first match in it," Goswami said. "It is really special and I am hopeful that I can maintain my standards and do well for my country."

India lost the opening game of the tour, a Twenty20 in Sydney , by two runs but Goswami said the team had done well in the warm-up matches which was an encouraging sign.

"The last series was disappointing so we want to bounce back and do well to lift our confidence ahead of the World Cup." Goswami said India had a great chance to win the World Cup as long as they worked on their fitness. "We will have to be physically very strong. Last time we were No. 2 and this time we want to be No. 1."

Shelley Nitschke, the Australia allrounder, said she was looking forward to facing Goswami in the ODIs. "To be honest, I haven't faced her a great deal," Nitschke said. "Since I have been batting up the order we haven't played against India so I haven't faced her against the new ball." Nitschke has opened in 16 matches and averages 32.25.

Nitschke was hopeful that with Australia hosting the World Cup in March next year, the local public would take an interest in the women's game. "It's pretty vital to have some good games and get some good coverage in Sydney. Hopefully we can have some good games to get the public out and talking about it."

The first ODI between India and Australia is on October 31 in Sydney.