India’s Women Make a Fine Start in Historic Test Match as Debutants Satheesh & Rodrigues Shine with the Bat

After a nine-year hiatus, Test cricket has finally returned to the Indian women’s team at home, and they’ve started their match against England in magnificent fashion. The day has been particularly fruitful for the team’s debutants, with Shubha Satheesh scoring a delightful 69 runs studded with 13 boundaries, and Jemimah Rodrigues still going strong at 64.

Opting to bat first, India witnessed both openers, Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana, back in the pavilion within the first nine overs. The onus then fell on the shoulders of the two debutants, who showcased composure and determination beyond their years.

Satheesh & Rodrigues forged a crucial 115-run partnership, allowing India to rebuild and reach a comfortable position in the Test. Satheesh, in particular, displayed immense talent and skill, perfectly suited for the longer format.

Her natural attacking instincts and positive intent were evident as she tackled England’s top-quality bowlers like Lauren Bell, Sophie Ecclestone, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Kate Cross with confidence.

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Talking about Rodrigues, she has been doing a great job for India in white ball format and debut in test was only matter of time for her. Because India don’t play much test matches so she didn’t get the chance to prove her mettle in this format.

Now as soon as she got, instantly she made it count with a classy 68 runs knock. It was much needed from India’s point of view because both experienced opener were already back in the hunt by the time she came to bat.

However, England’s bowlers kept things interesting by striking consistently. India’s eagerness to score quickly provided them with opportunities, but the pitch itself offered good batting conditions. Despite some solid batting performances, England won’t be complacent, considering India is currently four wickets down.

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Harmanpreet Kaur and Yastika Bhatia are currently at the crease, with Deepti Sharma and Sneha Rana to follow. A couple of wickets in the final session could swing the pendulum in either team’s favor. For England, Lauren Bell claimed two wickets but leaked 44 runs in 8 overs.

For India, the standout performers so far have been the two debutants, who have delivered valuable half-centuries. Hopefully, this is just the beginning of many more runs and contributions from them, propelling India’s success in Test cricket in the years to come.