The chat that could inspire Mandhana heroics at T20 World Cup

Despite India's next opponent at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup being Australia, it was revealed that Aussie batting legend Matthew Hayden was gracious enough to offer some advice to India star Smriti Mandhana at a brief exchange on the hallowed turf of Lord's.

An inspired Mandhana is locked into step up for India in their must-win showdown with the Aussies on Sunday.

The 29-year-old revealed the details of a conversation she had with Hayden in the lead-up to their final training session ahead of India's contest with Australia.

"We had a good discussion about— I really wanted to know a few things about the grip and the few things," Mandhana revealed to media.

"I don't want to really go into what we spoke, but yeah, it was a good chat. I have looked up to Sangakkara sir and Matthew Hayden quite a lot. I mean, I remember even in my bad days I would go out and watch their videos. So when I saw him doing the comms in the morning, I generally don't really get excited, but I did get excited."

"He was really kind and sweet (for being open before India plays against Australia), and I think he shared a lot of things ... I hope I can apply them today in the practice."

After India's six-wicket loss to South Africa, they know they likely must beat the undefeated Aussies to have a chance to progress to the semi-finals - Australia, India and South Africa are battling for two spots in the knockout stage.

"It's an important match and everyone is aware of that," Mandhana continued.

"We'll go out there, work really hard, and try and put up the best which we can do. A very important match for us, a must-win for us to go through."

"We just come in, we'll see the wicket, we'll see how the conditions are and how cricket we really want to play. But we've all spoken a lot about how we really want to be playing the aggressive brand of cricket, and that's something which we'll all look to do.

On top of Hayden's best batting advice, Mandhana and India will utilise their ever-increasing big game experience.

"I feel that with the WPL, I feel the girls are also very well prepped in terms of taking the high-pressure games a little better than what we could before," Mandhana continued.

"So hopefully we can take all of those experiences and memories and play the best we can tomorrow. We all have to really go out, play the ball, and not anything else. Not the situation, not anything else.