Deepti’s 57 took India to 285 in the first innings.
| Photo Credit: AFP
Formats change. Deepti Sharma doesn’t.
She remains the player India could bank on, with ball or bat. On the opening day of the first ever Women’s Test at Lord’s, the team needed someone to hold the lower-order together.
Her 57 ensured the Women in Blue would make a competitive total of 285 in the first innings on Friday. “It feels good that I was able to contribute at a crucial time,” she said.“All credit goes to Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur. They built the innings very well.”
About Smriti’s classy 83, she said: “Few players got out early and she took on the responsibility. I think she showed her character today.”
Deepti felt India had a decent total. “If take wickets early, it will be better for us.”
Issy Wong, who took the wickets of Smriti and Jemimah when both the batters were threatening to score more, said it was satisfying to bowl India out on the opening day. “The thought of not having to come back and finish the innings on the next day certainly keeps you going when things get tough,” she said. “And it was a really special day. Having all the former players there and hearing the bell ring before the start actually made us a little emotional. They’re the reason we’re able to play days like this. It’s our duty to enjoy this occasion, appreciate it and make sure it happens again.”
Wong relishes Test cricket. “We absolutely love Test cricket and we want more of it on the calendar,” she said. “We want these matches to keep coming and include more of them in the future in the schedule.”
Published – July 11, 2026 05:48 pm IST
