A year ago, Mamatha Maben was contemplating retirement. But encouragement from her current employers, indiainfo.com, and a superb domestic season for Karnataka, enabled the former Air India Batswoman to force her way into the National team and form an integral apart of the team's one-off "Test' wins against England at home and South Africa away (India's first ever "Test' win overseas).

Now, keen to consolidate her position in the side, the 31-year-old batswoman who also bowls medium-pace, speaks about her comeback into the Indian team after eight years, India's recent victories and the future of women's cricket in India in this interview with Deccan Herald.

Q: It was in the 1993 World Cup in England that you made your only previous appearance for India. What took you so long to return?

A: I did not have a good outing in the World Cup. I was raw and they were building the team for the future as seniors like Shantha Rangaswamy, Diana Eduljee and Sriroopa Bose were past their prime. Then, playing for Air India in the domestic season, I rarely got a chance to bat as the top-order was packed. A couple of good seasons still did not help my cause. I thought I had a good season in 1997 when Air India won the National championship but still was overlooked.

I missed the 2000 inter-zonals because of shoulder dislocation and thought of quitting. Also, I was pursuing a career in sports journalism as there was no incentive in playing. But everything changed after I quit my job and joined indiainfo.com. My boss B G Mahesh was very encouraging and gave flexible office timings and leave so that I could practice and play.

Q: How difficult was it to come back into the national side? Did you think you would play for India again?

A: I did not expect to play again for India. But after a good domestic season (56,83 not out, 52 not out, 41 and 29 for South Zone in the Rani Jhansi Trophy), I was confident of being selected. Also Shantha Rangaswamy, one of the selectors, said I should be given a chance after my performances.

It was not easy to make a comeback. When the call came, I knew I would not get another chance. My knock of 53 not out in the third one-dayer against England at Hyderabad helped India's cause and also did me a world of good.

Q: How do you compare the Lucknow "Test' win against England to the one against South Africa AT Paarl?

A: I think England were below par. They were without four of their regulars. Having said that, our bowlers bowled very well. Also, we fielded well in patches. Though we dropped a few catches against England, the commentators kept saying that the fielding was better than our previous batches.

In South Africa, initially we were beaten for pace and movement. But after losing the first three one-dayers, we were beaten for pace and movement. But after losing the first three one dayers, we were determined not to lose the final one-dayer at Cape Town where the conditions were similar to India. We took this confidence to the "Test'. It was a keenly contested match but we had the upperhand throughout, even enforcing follow on. We proved that the Lucknow "Test' win was not a fluke.

Q: Are you happy with the kind of exposure Indian women cricketers are getting?

A: The current season has been hectic with quite a few domestic tournaments followed by the home series against England and the tour England for a tri-series and tow "Tests'. By year-end, South Africa re likely to visit India.

The life of a woman cricketer is short. We need to play more in that period so as to come into the national reckoning. We should be playing at least three international series to keep ourselves fit.

We can also deliver the goods like Australia or New Zealand consistently only if we receive financial support from the men's Board. Take Australia, England or New Zealand, all have been merged with the men's cricked board. We need to play regularly to keep ourselves in fine form. We need to improve in fielding and fitness. If we do, we can be world beaters.

Q: How has been the support from home?

A: There has been absolutely full freedom for me to play. There has not been any pressure from my mother (I lost my father in 2000 and since then, have been the sole bread winner for the family) either to stop playing or get married. They have been encouraging me to the fullest. But it has become pretty hectic running the family, earning, playing and practicing.

Q: How long do your see yourself playing for the country?

A: I want to take it series by series. Now that I have got a base, I have to consolidate my position. My aim is to play the next World Cup (scheduled in 2004-05 in South Africa) and help India win the Cup. If we win, it will help Indian women's cricket tremendously.

Q: Who has been you role model?

A: Undoubtedly Shantha Rangaswamy. I learnt a lot playing under her for four years. She was a great influence in the team. I want to emulate Shantha. Also, when I was thinking of giving up last year, Shantha told me that I had not done anything for Karnataka cricket and that was the right time to do something. Then I played for Karnataka in the Nationals and we finished in the top four after a long gap. Also it was Shantha who insisted that I be picked for the country again.

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