Harmanpreet Kaur has made a habit of being part of historic moments. She led the Indian women to a first-ever World Cup in Navi Mumbai last year.
On Friday, she will lead her team on to the field for the first ever Women’s Test at Lord’s. “It is a very big moment for all of us,” the Indian captain said on the eve of the Test against England. “As a captain and as a player, I’m really looking forward to this opportunity. As kids, we always dream about playing Test matches and playing at Lord’s is one of those dreams.
All the girls are very excited.”She is glad that a Women’s Test is finally being played at Lord’s. “Maybe it is late, but not too late,” she said. “I am still playing cricket and therefore getting this opportunity to be part of this historic match.”
Harmanpreet is confident of a good show from her team. “Our last two Tests have been very good for us and we have always played good cricket against England,” she said. “We may not be that used to playing Test matches, but we enjoy them so much. Even during the photoshoot yesterday, everybody was so excited wearing the white kit.”
She would love to have more Tests for women. Since the last time India toured England for a Test, in 2021, it has played only five more.
“As cricketers, we definitely want to be part of many Test matches,” she said. “But I think that is totally the higher authorities’ call. I have seen women’s cricket growing all these years. I think we are in the right hands, and they are the right ones to take the call.”
Test match has come at the perfect time: Nat Sciver-Brunt
Nat Sciver-Brunt expects India to create some great challenges in the historic Lord’s Test.
“India’s top seven loves to bat for a long time and the value of their wicket is very important for them,” the England captain said.“They are a bowling side that can take wickets very regularly during a Test match innings. They will try to throw a few things at us, and will also hopefully do the same.”
Sciver-Brunt said it was a privilege to play the Test at Lord’s. “It is a huge honour and a privilege that we will be walking out there (on Friday). “It is something we have hoped for. It could have happened in the last three or four years. I think we are pretty deserving of being here and we will relish the opportunity.”
She feels the Test has come at the right time, after England’s defeat to Australia in the T20 World Cup final, which was also played at Lord’s, last Sunday. “The change of format is great timing,” she said.
“The World Cup and everything we managed to do still has mixed emotions because the final result isn’t what we wanted, but I am so proud of what we were able to do throughout the tournament.”
Published on Jul 09, 2026
