A proper newsy week this, Paltan. From Puma visits, to MCC memberships, to centuries, to Ashes stars, to the NCA camp, here's the star-studded read you were waiting for to kick-start your Monday! Exciting innit? Read on....

A leaf off Harmanpreet's Europe diary - Stopover at Puma Headquarters

Ahead of India's upcoming tour of Bangladesh followed by what's set to be a jam-packed season of international cricket, Kaptaan Kaur is making the most in the last few days of her well-deserved vacation in Europe! She recently made her way to Germany, visited the Puma headquarters and had a fantastic time exploring and getting a behind-the-scenes look at Puma's operations, and to top it off, she even got to rock some of their iconic and exclusive gear!

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Tenmendous years of Nat in One-Day Internationals

Did she make it? Oh, she absolutely did, and not just that, she aced it!! Our incredible all-rounder, Nat Sciver-Brunt, has completed ten remarkable years in ODI cricket this week. It almost feels like a neverending growth story, with each year better than the last. With over 3000 runs and 65 wickets in her kitty from 94 games, NSB, you are an absolute legend! You talk consistency, you're talking NSB.

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Nat at Ashes T20Is '23

After a captivating One-Off Test at Trent Bridge, it is time for the T20Is in the Women’s Ashes. Aapli Nat unfortunately had an off day, departing early after scoring just 7(6). Also, just to remind you, an injury has forced her to play as a specialist batter. Knowing Nat and knowing history, the Aussies better be worried come the second T20I! Our girl isn’t staying out of runs for two games in a row.

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Heather's heroics help Australia A home, while Issy is W-Ashes ready!

Featuring for Australia A, on the back of an excellent T20 series against England A, Heather Graham carried on with her brilliant form to the One-Day fixtures. After sitting out of the team's opening game, she returned to action delivering impressive performances with scores of 41(36) and 54(46) in the 2nd and 3rd One-Dayer respectively. Heather produced her best with the ball, registering figures of 1/29 (7.5) in the 3rd game, contributing to Australia A's comprehensive 3-0 series victory.

Issy Wong was initially named in England's squad for the Women's Ashes T20I series. However, not making the final cut, she instead played for England A in the 3rd One-Day game. In her 7 overs, she conceded 44 runs but provided an early breakthrough. With the bat, Issy contributed 12 runs off 14 balls. Issy now is well warmed up and eagerly waiting for a call-up to feature in the XI.

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Kerrerrific ton for our Melie! 

The best of the bests, Melie Kerr, is currently touring Sri Lanka for a 6-match white-ball series. After a solid 40 in the opener, Melie unleashed her strokes and smashed a magnificent 108 off just 106 balls to seal the series (2nd ODI). Her innings propelled New Zealand to a formidable total of 329. Melie also made her mark with the ball, scalping a wicket and bowling with incredible economy at a rate of 3.4. It was a true all-round performance that played a crucial role in the team's emphatic 111-run victory in the must-win match.

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Jhulan's back where she left off

Aapli bowling coach and mentor, Jhulan Goswami, who hung up her boots from international cricket at the 'Home of Cricket' has made a comeback to the venue! She now is a proud member of the prestigious Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). It was simply brilliant to see pictures of Jhulan at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground, donning the vibrant Yellow and Red colours of the MCC, like the true legend she is!

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Hailey Matthews! 

Matthews, our MVP, once again proved her worth on the international stage. In the recent ODI series against Ireland, she was a standout performer in multiple ways. With a magnificent century (109) and 3 wickets for 53 runs (10 overs) in the opener, she showcased her batting and bowling prowess. The 2nd ODI was abandoned due to rain, however, Matthews did claim a wicket in the 52-ball play. In the third ODI, she contributed with 1 wicket for just 20 runs (10 overs). Her outstanding performances earned her the Player of the Series award, while her fearless captaincy led the team to a resounding 2-0 series win. The T20I series is next in line, promising more excitement.

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Neelam wreaks havoc. Amanjot shines bright

Neelam Bisht, a true gem, showcased her immense value with outstanding numbers in the recently concluded Punjab inter-district One-Day competition! Representing Amritsar, Neelam had a remarkable tally of 19 wickets in just 5 games. Yes, you read that right—19 wickets! Her standout performances include 7/7 (10) against Ferozepur and 6/7 (8.5) against Fatehgarh Sahib, where she also scored a quickfire unbeaten 55*(28).

Amanjot Kaur made her presence felt for Patiala in just three games during the crucial phase of the tournament. She began her campaign with figures of 1/27 (6) and followed it up with an impressive performance of 3/15 (3). In the Final against Jalandhar, she showcased her skills once again, taking 2 wickets for 30 runs (8 overs), and also contributed with the bat, scoring 21 runs off 31 balls. However, her team fell short by 51 runs in their quest to cross the final hurdle.

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Tryon's back and better! 

The Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy is back with its second leg, and our giant, Chloe Tryon is back in action too for the Northern Diamonds! Although Chloe didn't have the best start with the ball, with figures of 0/34 (4), she made up for it with a match-winning knock of 57*(44). Her innings included 8 fours and 1 maximum, helping her team start off on the right foot with a seven-wicket win in reply to SouthEast Stars' 205.

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Buckle up for the Bangladesh series

Paltan, the eagerly anticipated moment of witnessing our incredible 'Women in Blue' is finally approaching! The fixtures were long announced, the squads have now been finalized, and we just cannot wait to rally behind our Kaptaan Kaur, Pooja, Amanjot, Yastika, and the entire Indian team as they grace the field from July 9-22!!!