Lord’s Cricket Ground of England is the Mecca of Cricket. The only women’s Test is to be played between India and England from today (July 10) on this historic ground. This will be the first time that women players will be seen playing a Test match at Lord’s.
Women’s Test has been played since 1932 but it took 92 years to reach Lord’s. The England women’s team has played 55 Test matches at home since 1937 at 19 different venues. Lord’s will be its 20th home venue, where it will play a Test match.
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A report opened the door of Lords
It is difficult to believe that a women’s test has never been organized at Lord’s, which is called the Home of Cricket. The ‘Independent Commission for Equality in Cricket’ (ICEC) was the first to draw attention to this. ICEC published a report in June 2023 objecting to the fact that England had not yet played a women’s Test at Lord’s. The report said, ‘The home of cricket is still predominantly for men.’ After this, the cricket department of England came into action and the way was cleared for the women’s test at Lord’s.
How is Team India’s record against England?
The Indian women’s team has played only one test match this year. In that pink-ball test held in Australia, Team India suffered a crushing defeat by 10 wickets. This was the Indian team’s first defeat in women’s Test since 2006. The Test record of the Indian women’s team against England is incredible.
Team India has defeated England 3 times in the last 4 women’s Test matches. The last clash between the two teams in this format was in December 2023, in which India won by a massive 347 runs. The Indian women’s team has not lost a Test match to England since 1995. Even at home against England, the Indian team is unbeaten in 9 Test matches.
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What did Harmanpreet say on playing test match at Lord’s?
Indian team captain Harmanpreet Kaur said in the press conference before the match that playing at Lord’s is every cricketer’s dream and the entire team is excited about this historic opportunity. She also admitted that she was surprised that this prestigious ground was hosting a women’s Test match for the first time.
Harmanpreet said, ‘This is a big moment for all of us. As a captain and a player, I am eagerly waiting for this opportunity. I think in childhood we all dream of playing a Test match and playing at Lord’s is also one of those dreams. I am very happy that we got this opportunity. The rest of the girls are also very excited and as a team we are eagerly waiting for this opportunity.
Harmanpreet further said, ‘We were talking that this match is going to happen after so many years and it took us so many years to realize that women can also be a part of the Lord’s Test match. I mean I was surprised to know that, I didn’t know about it. But, yes, it is a great opportunity. I just think that maybe it’s late but it’s not too late. I am still playing and I am getting a chance to be a part of this historic day.
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Harmanpreet expressed her opinion on the low number of women’s test matches
Harmanpreet admitted that it will be challenging to adapt to red-ball cricket due to the lesser number of women’s Test matches but said that the excitement of playing at Lord’s will motivate the team to perform well on this occasion. However, he admitted that the decision ultimately depends on the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the respective national boards.
Harmanpreet said, ‘As cricketers, we definitely want to be a part of as many Test matches as possible but I think it is completely a decision of the higher authorities. I have seen a lot of ups and downs and have seen women’s cricket grow over the years. I think we are in good hands and they (boards) are the right people to decide on this.
Head coach Majumdar said – all players will feel proud
Team India’s head coach Amol Majumdar said that the team is very excited to play at Lord’s for the first time. He said, ‘This is our first Test at Lord’s and I am lucky to get this opportunity. I wish all the best to everyone associated with this test. This is a big opportunity and we are excited about it.
He further said, ‘Playing a Test match is like a dream for any Indian cricketer. I am sure every player wearing the white jersey tomorrow will be proud that they got a chance to play a Test at Lord’s.
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