Goswami honoured at Castrol Awards

Jhulan Goswami, the fastest bowler in women's cricket, has received the Castrol Special Award for her outstanding bowling on India's recent tour of England.

India lost the one-dayers, but claimed the Test series, the first time India have ever beaten England in a Test. It was in that match, the second Test at Taunton, that the player of the match Goswami became only the second Indian, and first woman, to take ten wickets in a Test on English soil.

Goswami received her award at the ceremony in Mumbai on Friday. "I'm happy that we beat England on their home ground," she told Rediff, "it was a really big win and a special one. It is really special that I played a part in it."

Success has not come easy. Women's cricket demands heavy commitment from players, many of whom must juggle jobs and study, and Goswami's dedication is no less significant. At the age of 15 she would get up at 4.30am to catch the train for a five-hour round trip of practising. "Many times I missed the train and used to reach late for practice; but I never lost heart."

Now aged 22, she feels there is still room for improvement in her game. "I am focusing on my accuracy."