By Oliver Brett BBC Sport Online

It may be something of a lost art in the men's game, but as far as women's cricket is concerned, the role of specialist wicket-keeper is still an important one.

England's current wicket-keeper, 29-year-old Mandie Godliman, played her first one-day international of six in Madras in January as a specialist batsman.

Her last match in England colours saw her way down the order at number 10, but by now she had become the regular figure behind the timbers, and that's what she was aiming for all along.

And she did enough in the summer tri-nations series to retain her position for the Tests against India.

She is excited about playing the longer form of the game for the first time.

Jack Russell: A role model for Godliman

"I've never played Tests before," says the sports development officer for Mid-Sussex Council. "I'm seen as an attacking wicket-keeper.

"I believe that generally keepers are quite defensive. But I've watched Jack Russell stand up to medium-pacers and he just puts so much pressure on the batsmen.

"I'm looking at ways of standing up to the medium pacers. It ties the batsmen down, and it's a great way of putting pressure on them.

"Actually in the final of the tri-series I got a very nice leg-side stumping off Clare Taylor."

Godliman is keen on taking her game forward and to that end, she is forsaking her job over the winter to play more cricket.

Kiwi move

"I am currently pursuing the opportunity to play in New Zealand in the State Assurance League, with two other England players in Clare Taylor and Charlotte Edwards.

"New Zealand are the World Champions at the moment, and although Australia beat them recently in a tournament they are still a very strong side."

Godliman reckons standards are improving

The two Tests this summer represent a scheduling improvement on the single drawn Test match that England played at the start of the year in India.

Godliman believes that a three-Test series would be best of all, but understands the difficulties in making it a financially-viable venture.

"The men are professional and playing full time. We are very fortunate to be supported by Sport England with the Lottery funding.

"There's more support now from the England and Wales Cricket Board with the sponsorship from Vodafone.

"People are wanting more and more cricket so hopefully things are heading in the right direction."

One major factor is the coach John Harmer, who has been full of innovative ideas to keep his players extra sharp.

It was his idea, for instance, to concentrate the 11 county sides into a 'Super Fours' competition at the start of the season.

"It's definitely pushed people forward," says Godliman.

"People now realise they can't get away with bowling rubbish. The better quality cricket we play at domestic level, the better we will be as a national team."