India captain Harmanpreet Kaur described Friday’s historic Lord’s Test match against England as a “very big moment” for her team, stating that a win at the storied venue would not only help them move past the disappointment of their early T20 World Cup exit but also mark a significant milestone in the team’s history.
The historic match is a long-overdue milestone because it has been 142 years since Lord’s hosted its first men’s Test. In the run-up to the game, the historic event has garnered a lot of interest.
A win at the storied Lord’s may be the ideal morale boost following India’s group-stage elimination from the T20 World Cup in England and Wales. A victory at the storied venue would be a memorable occasion for the squad, Harmanpreet acknowledged.
“I think this Test match is a very big moment for us because if we win this Test, it can be very good for the team. Because right now, you know, after the T20 World Cup, everybody was very sad that we couldn’t give our best,” PTI quoted the skipper as saying at the pre-match media interaction.
“…in patches we did well, but unfortunately as a team, we couldn’t do so well (in T20 WC). But through this Test match, we can cover a lot of things. We can bring that confidence back. Then you feel so strong, you feel, you know, you’re the best team in the world,” Harmanpreet said, adding that she hopes the Lord’s Test will mark a fresh start for the side.
To make the historic outing unforgettable, she hopes every player would support and contribute to one another.
“Sometimes, you feel a little low when things don’t go your way. So, I think, this Test match is very important for us. If we play together and support each other, and win our team at that time, I think this victory can bring us a lot of confidence back. And along with that, it will also help us a lot in the upcoming tournaments. And this month is going to be a very historic moment,” she added.
Every cricket player dreams of playing at Lord’s, according to Harmanpreet, and the entire team was thrilled about the momentous occasion. She also acknowledged that she was taken aback by the fact that the storied venue will be holding its inaugural women’s Test.
“It’s a very big moment for all of us. As a captain and as a player, I’m really looking forward to this opportunity. I think, as a kid, we always dream about playing Test matches, and playing in Lord’s is one of the dreams. I’m so happy that we got this opportunity. And other girls are also very excited and as a team, we are really looking forward to this opportunity.
“We were having a discussion that after so many years, this match is going to happen. And it took us so many years to feel that women can also be part of Lord’s Test match. So, I mean, I was surprised to know, I wasn’t aware of this. But, yeah, I mean, it’s a great opportunity. I just look at, you know, maybe it’s late, but not too late. Still I’m playing and still getting this opportunity to be part of this historic day,” said Harmanpreet.
Given the small amount of women’s Test matches, Harmanpreet acknowledged that the transition to red-ball cricket would be difficult, but she said the thrill of playing at Lord’s would spur the squad to success.
“Yeah, to be honest, it’s a bit challenging because we are not that used to playing red ball. But I think we all are very excited about this game. We had four-five sessions where we all looked really good in the nets. So, I think this is something we are not used to, but we are very excited. I think when you’re excited about something, you always give your best.” she said.
Although she accepted that the ICC and the relevant national boards have the final say, the captain also supported the idea of more women’s Tests in the future.
“As cricketers we definitely want to be part of many Test matches. But I think that’s a totally high authority’s call. But I think till now, I have seen all the highs and lows. And I have seen women’s cricket growing all those years. I think we are in the right hands, and they’re (boards) the right ones to take the call.
“But if you ask me, as a player, I definitely want to play lots of cricket and don’t want to sit home doing nothing. But I think we are enjoying our time. We are quite busy. And in between, we are getting… last March also, we played one Test. And now, tomorrow also, we’re going to get one more Test. I think things are going the right way. And hopefully in future, we’ll see many more Test matches,” she hoped.
She expressed optimism that her team will perform well against the hosts because of India’s performance in Test matches, particularly against England.
“Definitely, our last two Tests have been very, very good for us. And we’ve always played good cricket against them. I think it’s only about giving your best and going with a good frame of mind. As a team, we have all decided that ‘let’s stay together, let’s stick together and just give our best’.”
Harmanpreet expressed her high expectations for left-arm spinner Shree Charani, who is scheduled to make her Test debut after finishing as India’s top wicket-taker at the World Cup.
“Charani is one of our key bowlers. No doubt about it. And the way she performed in the T20 World Cup, and she has been doing it even before that. I think she has given a surety to the team, that she is there to bowl all those crucial overs.
“And whenever the team needs a breakthrough, she is always there for the team. So I think it is very important for such players to be in the team. Players like her give a lot of confidence to me also as a captain.”
