Indian Women await stern tests in the next season

The Indian women's team will probably have the toughest season in recent times with three gruelling series - against England at home, and Australia and New Zealand away - over the next twelve months.

According to a proposed plan by the Women's cricket association of India, England would tour India in November this year, before India sets off to Australia and New Zealand in February 2006. India are also scheduled to tour England in July next year. The International cricket council will confirm the itinerary in its meeting in June.

Buoyed by the recent performance in the World Cup, where they became the first subcontinental team to qualify for the finals, India will be confident of carrying on their good form. Though they were outplayed by Australia in the finals, by a huge margin of 98 runs, players like Mithali Raj and Neetu David turned in some matchwinning performances in the othee matches.

However, domestic cricket will roll out on May 25 with Indira Priyadarshini Trophy in Bhilai. The senior nationals kicks off on October 1.

Nov-Dec 2005 England in India

Feb 2006 Tour to Australia and New Zealand

July 2006 Tour to England

Nov-Dec 2006 New Zealand in India

Jan-Feb 2007 Asia Cup