King's Indian dream to cap 'unforgettable' season

Alana King has achieved a lot in the past eight months.

Since winning the WBBL with the Perth Scorchers in October, King has made her international debut, her Test debut, won the Ashes and lifted an ODI World Cup.

In her words, it's been "a summer that I definitely won't be forgetting".

And now she gets to do something else that's been on her list for a while; play a match in India.

The exciting leg-spinner has been selected to represent the Supernovas in the Women's T20 Challenge, a three-team week-long tournament held in Pune's MCA Stadium in India.

King's parents, Leroy and Sharon, hail from Chennai on the southeast coast of India.

Image Id: EF86981BE8754461B55A78A8A59A8054 Image Caption: Sharon and Leroy King embrace ODI World Cup winning daughter Alana // Getty

And while the Kings are bonafide Aussies since permanently settling in Melbourne in 1988, they have never forgotten their heritage.

"I've got Indian roots and I love having those roots," King told cricket.com.au from Pune on Friday.

"Just everything about India, I love. The culture and the food especially.

"I just love how I'm back here playing in India, with an Indian background. It's pretty special."

For King, who made her T20 debut for the Melbourne Stars back in December 2015, this is her first chance to play in the country so close to her heart.

"I've never played in India. I've watched a lot of cricket on TV, especially the IPL and many, many Test matches and white-ball games," King said.

"But it's my first time playing here so I'm going to love every minute of it.

"I'm just loving the opportunity that I've got here and am very grateful that I was asked to be involved."

The Women's T20 Challenge has attracted some of the biggest names in the women's game, including Laura Wolvaardt, Hayley Matthews, Deandra Dottin, Sophie Ecclestone and Harmanpreet Kaur, who will be the captain of King's Supernovas.

"You can't go past Harmanpreet Kaur," King replied when asked who she was most excited to play with.

"She's a powerhouse in the Indian team … she's a great player.

"I can't wait to pick her brains and see how she goes about it. It's going to be a lot of fun."

Although big names from India, South Africa, England and the West Indies will be taking part, King will be the only Australian out there.

"I actually was surprised (to be the sole Australian)," King said.

"There's a few girls that are battling a couple of niggles at the moment and some of them are quite tired, which is totally understandable.

"They've been going non-stop for the international summer since September last year.

"It's been a big 12 months and it's another big 12 months ahead for the Aussie calendar."

Image Id: AD3BF072FF644508A0F235B430E65BB7 Image Caption: Alana King poses with the ODI World Cup trophy after Australia's win in April // Getty

King was named in Australia's Commonwealth Games squad on Friday, which will take place in Birmingham in July-August, meaning she could add a gold medal to her impressive list of accolades.

That will be a preceded by a T20 tri-series against Pakistan and Ireland in Derry.

King's Supernovas play in the opening match of the tournament, squaring off against the Trailblazers on Monday, May 23, and the leggie is ready to go, complete with her trademark accessory.

The 26-year-old gained notoriety over the summer by wearing bright sunglasses while bowling, and fans will be pleased to know King found a spot for the eyewear in her suitcase.

"Yes, the sunnies have been packed. Not sure they're going to be of any use though, as the majority of them are night games!"

The 2022 Indian Premier League will be broadcast live in Australia on Fox Sports and live streamed on Kayo