On a day that had its share of sharp twists and turns, India ended up at 410 for 7 in the Test match played against England in Navi Mumbai. This is the second highest score by a side in a single day in women’s Test cricket.
Following a recent setback in the T20 series against England, the momentum initially favoured the visitors. However, as the test unfolded, it was evident that the momentum was more in favour of the Indian team.
In the early stages, both inside and outside the stadium, a tranquil atmosphere prevailed, lacking the spirited buzz typically associated with cricket matches. Nevertheless, dedicated cricket enthusiasts emerged as the day progressed, passionately cheering the teams in what marked a historic test, breaking a silence of nine years.
What truly stole the spotlight and touched the hearts of many were a group of spirited school children who came to rally behind the Indian girls. Despite the initial lack of a substantial crowd, this spirited bunch compensated with resounding cheers and chants, bringing smiles to those present. Chants ranging from “Jeetega bhai jeetega, India jeetega” to “Sabka baap hain humara India” echoed, revealing the innocence and love these youngsters harbored for the game, resonating deeply with the players.
Notable banners featuring star players from both sides, such as Smriti Mandhana and Danni Wyatt, were proudly displayed by ardent supporters, reflecting the admiration and sheer love these fans held for their favourite players.
On the field, Jemimah Rodrigues and Shubha Shatheesh emerged as saviors, playing exceptional innings to guide their team to safer waters. What deserves acknowledgment is that both of these batters are Test debutants, who handled the pressure of the big stage almost seamlessly.
The batting brilliance continued with Yastika Bhatia and Harmanpreet Kaur, who took it upon themselves to build on the fantastic foundation. Yastika played a dazzling knock of 66 off just 88 balls, while the captain contributed a gritty 49 before an unfortunate run-out incident.
Despite potential debates surrounding Harmanpreet’s run-out, cricket enthusiasts must reconcile with the reality that such incidents are inherent in the game. Although fans were understandably disappointed by the captain’s departure, the cheers resumed when Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana joined forces, significantly contributing to the team’s total. The crowd erupted with excitement as several sixes were hit during this period.
Anticipation is high for a larger crowd on the following day, especially if India maintains its stellar performance. The future of women’s Test cricket remains debatable, hinging on factors such as crowd support and the cricketing community’s commitment. However, if the Indian women’s team sustains this level of excellence, then it is poised to thrive.