India all-rounder Deepti Sharma praised the team’s top-order batters after her important half-century helped India post a competitive total on the opening day of the historic first-ever women’s Test at Lord’s against England.
India finished the opening day on 285 after valuable contributions from Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma. England then reached 21/1 at stumps after Kranti Gaud gave India the perfect start with the early wicket of Tammy Beaumont. India now hold a strong position heading into the second day with England still trailing by 264 runs.
Deepti’s calm innings of 57 came at an important stage after India lost a few wickets in the middle order. Her partnership with the lower-order batters helped India finish with a competitive total on a pitch that became more difficult for batting as the day went on.
Speaking after the day’s play, Deepti said she was happy to contribute when the team needed her and gave full credit to the batters who laid the foundation earlier in the innings. “It feels good that I was able to do this partnership at a crucial time. All credit goes to our 3-4 batters who gave a good start. Jemi, Harry di (Harmanpreet) and Smriti. They built the innings very well.”
She explained that batting conditions were not easy because the pitch behaved differently throughout the day. According to Deepti, the surface offered turn while some deliveries also stayed low, making shot selection more difficult for the batters.
“The wicket is slightly turning and sometimes keeping low. The wicket is not the same. We have to be prepared when the ball can bounce and when it can stay low. Tomorrow (Day 2) will be a very important day for us.”
Smriti Mandhana’s innings of 83 was one of the biggest highlights of India’s batting performance. She looked comfortable despite wickets falling around her and showed great patience while building the innings.
Deepti praised the left-handed opener for taking responsibility when India needed someone to stay at the crease and guide the innings.
“I think she batted really well. Sometimes it happens. Few players got out early and sometimes had to take that responsibility. I think she showed her character today. From there, she started her innings.”
India also received an important contribution from captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored a valuable 58. Together with Mandhana and Deepti, she ensured India reached a strong first-innings total despite losing wickets at regular intervals.
With the ball beginning to grip the surface during England’s short reply, Deepti believes India’s bowlers have a good opportunity to take control of the match on the second day.
“We will focus more on our bowling strength. Like today’s wicket, we were getting a slight turn. But sometimes, the ball was bouncing. It will help us tomorrow. But we have to focus on our right areas. We have to continue to bowl back-to-back.”
Kranti Gaud made the perfect start by dismissing Tammy Beaumont before the close of play, giving India early momentum with the ball.
Apart from the cricket itself, Deepti also spoke about the importance of playing the first-ever women’s Test at Lord’s. She said the occasion showed how much women’s cricket has grown over the last few years and hoped the progress would continue for future generations.
“Tests are always special. It is an amazing feeling to play cricket. Women’s cricket has grown a lot in the last 4-5 years. People are recognizing each other. That is a big thing. As a team, we have achieved a good spirit. We want to continue that for the next generation.”
India will now look to build on their strong first day when play resumes. With England starting Day 2 on 21/1 and still needing another 264 runs to match India’s first-innings total, the visitors will hope their bowlers can make the most of the helpful conditions and strengthen their position in this historic Test at the Home of Cricket.
Loves all things female cricket