Is it not such wonderful news that women’s test cricket has progressed so much in recent times, culminating in this Test match hosted by India for England? It’s truly exciting to see the magnificent DY Patil Stadium hosting a women’s Test match between these two cricketing giants.
Last time India hosted a women’s Test match was in 2014, comfortably defeating South Africa in Mysore. As for India and England, their last Test encounter on Indian soil was a drawn affair way back in 2005, where Jhulan Goswami shone with a five-wicket haul in the first innings. Unfortunately, Test cricket hasn’t been a regular feature in India due to the greater focus on men’s cricket.
However, this Test match is a significant step forward, not just for promoting women’s cricket but also for upholding the spirit of Test cricket itself. It’s a thrilling event for fans and teams alike, especially with two of the world’s best teams battling it out in India.
The Indian women’s team has only played two Test matches in the past nine years, both away from home – one against Australia in 2022 and one against England in 2021. This long gap is undeniable, but it’s also part of the gradual growth and progress of women’s Test cricket. The current two-match series between India and England is a positive sign!
Surprisingly, the first-ever Test match played on Indian soil was in 1976/77. India hosted the West Indies for a six-match series, which ended in a draw with four drawn matches and one win each.
Shobha Pandit, who only played three Tests and eight ODIs for India, holds the honor of being the first Indian player to score a half-century in women’s Test cricket. It’s also worth mentioning that their following Test series against New Zealand (drawn) and the tour of Australia (lost) for the Indian women’s team.
2001 marked a historic moment when India won their first away Test match, defeating South Africa in Paarl. This victory was a crucial step towards establishing India as a force in Test cricket.
Indian cricket history was further etched in 2014 when Mithali Raj’s brilliant half-century in the fourth innings secured a famous victory for India in Wormseley, England.
Now, this talented team stands at a crucial juncture once again. This Test match against England could be a defining moment for the future of women’s Test cricket in India. Let’s wish all the best to both teams!
Additionally, the debuts of Renuka Thakur, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Satheesh Shuba add a special touch to this historic occasion. It’s the first Test match for the Indian women’s team without two of the greatest players of the 21st century – Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami.
