'India is a paradise for cricketers'

West Indies' young 'veteran' Anisa Mohammed, who is only 22-years-old but has seven years of international experience, loves India. Not because she has her roots in the country, but for the reason that she loves playing in the land, which has produced great spinners.

Anisa Mohammed is an off-spinner from West Indies women's cricket team

"It is a paradise for cricketers, especially the spinners," said Anisa, who starred in her team's emphatic nine-wicket win over India in the first one-day international at the MCA's BKC ground on Monday.

Anisa, an off-spinner, walked away with honours scalping four Indian batswoman for 27. The hosts were folded out for a mere 161 in 49.3 overs. Riding on an unbeaten 85 from opener Stephanie Taylor, Windies reached the required total with 79 balls to spare.

The Trinidadian, however, was unsatisfied. "I would give this performance five on 10. I could have got more wickets, but I bowled a few bad balls which resulted in boundaries. Hence, I am not happy. The ball was turning and I was enjoying my bowling. Even the wicket was helpful initially," she said.

Anisa is impressed with the way cricketers are venerated in India. "Here you have the best facilities even for women's team which we don't get at home. The hospitality is great. I love this place. My great-great grandfather belonged to this country, but I don't know where and I am not interested in knowing either. But this place is a paradise for cricketers," said the youngster, who made her debut for West Indies at the age of 15 in the World Cup qualifier in 2003.

The last time she came to India was in 2004 for two one-day internationals but she did not do that well taking only one wicket from two games. "However, today's performance will certainly motivate me. I didn't do well last time here and this will only help me perform better. A win here has certainly given us a boost for the entire tour," said Anisa, a self-confessed fan of Harbhajan Singh.

"I admire Harbhajan. I like the way he bowls but he is bowling flat these days which certainly I am not following. Flighting the ball is important for me. He has got good variations and I keep learning by watching him on television," said Anisa, who has 39 wickets from 36 ODIs.