Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur believes a victory in the historic first-ever women’s Test at Lord’s against England would be the perfect way for her team to recover from the disappointment of their early exit at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The one-off Test, which begins on July 10, is a landmark moment for women’s cricket. It will be the first women’s Test ever played at the famous Lord’s Cricket Ground, 142 years after the venue hosted its first men’s Test. The match has created great excitement among players and fans and is expected to become a special chapter in the history of women’s cricket.
India go into the match after a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign in England, where they failed to qualify for the knockout stage. Harmanpreet believes that winning at Lord’s would not only create history but also help the team regain confidence before future international tournaments.
“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,” Harmanpreet said during the pre-match press conference.
The India captain admitted that her team produced good performances only in parts during the World Cup and could not perform consistently as a group when it mattered the most.
“…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 be the beginning of a fresh chapter for the side.
She said every player has an important role to play and believes teamwork will be the key to making this historic match a memorable one.
“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.
Harmanpreet described playing at Lord’s as a dream for every cricketer and said the entire Indian squad is excited to be part of such a special occasion.
“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.”
The skipper also admitted that she was surprised to learn Lord’s had never hosted a women’s Test before.
“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.
Moving from T20 cricket to Test cricket is not easy, especially because women do not get many opportunities to play the longer format. However, Harmanpreet believes the excitement of playing at Lord’s will help the team adjust quickly.
“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.
The India captain also said she hopes to see more women’s Test cricket in the future, although she understands that the final decision rests with the ICC and the cricket boards.
“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.
Harmanpreet also believes India’s recent performances in Test cricket, especially against England, give the team confidence before this important match.
“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’.”
The skipper also praised left-arm spinner Shree Charani, who is expected to make her Test debut after finishing as India’s highest wicket-taker at the T20 World Cup with 14 wickets.
“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.”
India will now hope to make history at Lord’s and begin a new chapter with a memorable performance in the venue’s first-ever women’s Test, while also rebuilding confidence after a disappointing World Cup campaign.
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