India captain Harmanpreet Kaur has called the first Women’s Test at Lord’s a very big moment for her team, saying the players are excited to take the field in whites against England.
Speaking on the eve of the Test, Harmanpreet said playing the format at Lord’s was the kind of opportunity many players dream about while growing up. The match is significant because it is the first Women’s Test to be held at the venue.
“It is a very big moment for all of us,” Harmanpreet said. “As a captain and as a player, I’m really looking forward to this opportunity. As kids, we always dream about playing Test matches and playing at Lord’s is one of those dreams. All the girls are very excited.”
First Women’s Test at Lord’s
Harmanpreet said she was happy that women’s cricket was finally getting a Test match at Lord’s. She acknowledged that the occasion may have come late, but said she was grateful to still be playing and to be part of it.
“Maybe it is late, but not too late,” she said. “I am still playing cricket and therefore getting this opportunity to be part of this historic match.”
The India captain has often found herself involved in important moments for the national side. On Friday, she will lead India in a Test that adds another notable chapter for the women’s game at one of cricket’s most recognised venues.
India confident despite limited Test cricket
Women’s teams do not play Test cricket as regularly as men’s teams, and Harmanpreet accepted that India are not used to playing the format often. Even so, she said the squad enjoys the challenge and has confidence from recent performances.
“Our last two Tests have been very good for us and we have always played good cricket against England,” she said. “We may not be that used to playing Test matches, but we enjoy them so much. Even during the photoshoot yesterday, everybody was so excited wearing the white kit.”
Her comments also reflected the value players place on the longer format. For many in the squad, a Test at Lord’s is more than just another fixture because chances to play the format have been limited.
Call for more women’s Tests
Harmanpreet said women cricketers would like to play more Test matches, though she added that such decisions rest with cricket administrators. Since India’s women last toured England for a Test in 2021, they have played only five more Tests.
The source also noted that New Zealand, despite being one of the stronger teams in women’s cricket, no longer plays Tests. That wider context shows how rare the format remains in the women’s game.
“As cricketers, we definitely want to be part of many Test matches,” Harmanpreet said. “But I think that is totally the higher authorities’ call. I have seen women’s cricket growing all these years. I think we are in the right hands, and they are the right ones to take the call.”
For now, India’s focus is on the England Test at Lord’s. Harmanpreet’s words made clear that the players understand the occasion, but she also expects the team to compete well in conditions and a format they do not get to experience often.
Source: The Hindu Cricket.