After disappointing WC outing, India look to turn the tide at Lord’s Test
India will be hoping for a change in tide after an underwhelming T20 World Cup campaign when they face hosts England in the first-ever women’s Test at Lord’s beginning in London on Friday.
A premature exit from the T20 showpiece gave India more time to prepare for the red-ball game, which takes place at the “Home of Cricket”, 142 years after the first men’s Test was staged at the fabled ground.
The Indian team trained at the picturesque Wormsley Cricket Ground for its second red-ball game this year, having played a Test in Australia in March.
Head coach Amol Mujumdar said the prospect of taking the field for the first-ever Test at Lord’s excited the players even before the start of the preceding T20 World Cup.
“It just boggles my mind that it is just the first Test match here at Lords. Having said that, I am really fortunate and would like to extend my wishes to everyone who is involved in this. It is a great occasion and we are looking forward to it,” said Muzumdar.
“It is a dream to play a Test match for any Indian cricketer, leave alone playing at Lords. I am sure everyone who would wear those whites tomorrow would be proud of them being there at Lord’s to play the Test match,” the veteran of 171 first-class games added.
Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Varma had opened in India’s previous Test Down Under and the same is expected against England. Priya Punia has been drafted into the squad as a replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal, who had batted at three in the 10-wicket loss to Australia.
Test matches in women’s cricket take place far and few in between but India have a favourable record against England in the traditional format. India have won last three out of four games against the hosts and are yet lose a Test in England (two wins, seven draws).
