‘If we win this Test…’: Harmanpreet Kaur bets on historic Lord’s Test to erase T20 World Cup disappointment

Indian women captain Harmanpreet Kaur (PTI Photo/R Senthilkumar) ( India captain Harmanpreet Kaur believes the one-off women’s Test against England at Lord’s is a huge opportunity for her team to bounce back after a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign. She said a win at the iconic venue would boost the team’s confidence and become an unforgettable moment in Indian women’s cricket. The match is historic as it will be the first ever women’s Test at Lord’s. Harmanpreet said the team is determined to make the most of the opportunity and use it to regain confidence after the World Cup setback. “I think this Test match is a very important moment for us because if we win this Test it can be very good for the team. Because right now, you know, after the T20 World Cup, everybody was very sad that we couldn’t give our best,” she said.She added: “…we did well in patches but unfortunately as a team we didn’t do that well (in the WC T20). But through this Test match we can cover a lot of things. We can get that confidence back. Then you feel so strong, you feel, you know, you are the best team in the world.”Calling Lord’s a dream venue, Harmanpreet said, “It’s a very big moment for all of us. As a captain and as a player, I’m really looking forward to this opportunity. I think as a kid we always dream of playing Test matches and playing at Lord’s is one of those dreams.”Harmanpreet admitted that adapting to red-ball cricket is not easy as women’s Tests are rare, but believes the team’s excitement will help them perform. “Yes, to be honest, it’s a bit challenging because we’re not that used to playing the red ball… I think when you’re excited about something, you always give your best,” he said.She also expressed hope that more women’s Tests will be played in the future and backed left-arm debutant Shree Charani, calling her a key player who keeps making breakthroughs and giving the team confidence.