India’s Deepti Sharma praised the top-order after her unbeaten partnership and gritty fifty helped India dominate the opening day of the historic women’s Test at Lord’s. India posted 350/6 before reducing England to 21/1, taking firm control ahead of Day 2.
India all-rounder Deepti Sharma credited the team’s top-order batters for providing the perfect platform after her composed half-century helped the visitors seize control on the opening day of the historic first-ever women’s Test match at Lord’s on Friday.
India produced a disciplined batting performance to finish Day 1 on a commanding 350 for 6, with Smriti Mandhana leading the charge through an unbeaten 83. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed a valuable 58, while Deepti remained unbeaten on 57, guiding the innings through a challenging middle phase. The visitors then strengthened their position by striking early with the ball, reducing England to 21 for 1 by stumps.
Reflecting on her crucial partnership and innings, Deepti emphasized that India’s success was built on the impressive efforts of the top-order batters, who absorbed the pressure and established a strong foundation.
“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 built the innings very well,” Deepti said after the day’s play, as quoted by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
India encountered some resistance from England during the middle overs, but Deepti’s calm approach and ability to rotate the strike ensured the visitors maintained momentum. Her partnership with Mandhana proved vital in pushing India to a formidable first-innings total on a pitch that gradually became more difficult for batting.
The experienced all-rounder also highlighted the changing nature of the Lord’s surface, noting that it offered increasing assistance to bowlers as the day progressed.
“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 will be a very important day for us,” she explained.
Deepti reserved special praise for Smriti Mandhana, whose unbeaten innings anchored India’s batting despite wickets falling at the other end. She said Mandhana displayed maturity and responsibility when the team required stability.
“I think she batted really well. Sometimes it happens. Few players got out early and someone had to take that responsibility. I think she showed her character today. From there, she started her innings,” Deepti said.
India’s bowlers also made an encouraging start late in the day. Fast bowler Kranti Gaud dismissed England opener Tammy Beaumont for 11, leaving the hosts at 21 for 1 and still trailing by 329 runs at the close of play.
According to Deepti, the conditions should continue to assist India’s bowling attack if they maintain discipline and consistently hit the right areas.
“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,” she said.
The match holds special significance as it marks the first-ever women’s Test played at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, a venue regarded as the “Home of Cricket.” Deepti described the occasion as a proud milestone, while acknowledging the remarkable growth of women’s cricket in recent years.
“Tests are always special. It is an amazing feeling to play cricket. Women’s cricket has grown a lot in the last four to five 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,” she added.
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With a substantial first-innings total on the board and an early breakthrough already secured, India will enter Day 2 in a commanding position, aiming to capitalize on the responsive Lord’s pitch and build further pressure on England. The visitors will be confident that disciplined bowling can help convert their strong start into a decisive advantage in the landmark Test match.
