1997 women s World Cup inspired me, says Jhulan

New Delhi Aug 28 (IANS) Veteran India pacer Jhulan Goswami on Monday revealed that the 1997 women s World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand inspired her to pursue cricket as career.

"In 1997 there was a women s world cup final between Australia and New Zealand and we got some complementary tickets from our school so I went to watch it and realised if I start playing then one day I can play for India " Jhulan the leading wicket-taker in the women s One-Day International (ODI) told at the NDTV Youth for Change event here.

Jhulan who has picked up 195 wickets in 164 ODIs averaging 21.95 said it was the 1992 men s World Cup when she started taking interest in the sport.

"I watched the 1992 World Cup which took place in New Zealand and Australia.. from there I became a fan of cricket."

"Unfortunately in our country during those days only cricket was telecasted on television and no other sports; at times East Bengal Mohun Bagan matches or we used to wait for Olympics or football World Cup " the Bengal-born cricketer explained.

The 34-year-old who was awarded the ICC Women s Player of the Year 2007 also recalled her early days in the game saying she started as a ball girl initially.

"I used to be very sporty girl used to play and watch a lot of sports. My upbringing was at my aunt s place where we used to play a lot of tennis ball cricket in the backyard " Goswami said.

Goswami is currently placed second in the ICC women s ODI bowling rankings with 652 points.

--IANS
sam/tri/sac