It is a big moment for all of us, says Harmanpreet on Women’s Test at Lord’s

Harmanpreet Kaur has made it a habit, of being part of historic moments. She led the Indian women to a first ever World Cup in Navi Mumbai last year.

On Friday, she will lead her team on to the field for the first ever Women’s Test at Lord’s. “It is a very big moment for all of us,” the Indian captain said on the eve of the Test against England. “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.”

She is glad that a Women’s Test is finally being played at Lord’s. “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.”

Harmanpreet is confident of a good show from her team. “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.”

She would love to have more Tests for women. Since the last time the Indian women toured England for a Test, in 2021, they have played only five more. And a country like New Zealand, one of the strongest in women’s cricket, doesn’t even play Tests any longer.

“As cricketers, we definitely want to be part of many Test matches,” she 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.”