Harmanpreet Kaur on Historic Lord's Test: A Dream Come True for Indian Women's Cricket

Harmanpreet acknowledged that switching from white-ball cricket to the longer format is not easy because women do not play many Tests. However, she said the excitement of playing at Lord's has lifted the team's spirits.

"Yeah, to be honest, it's a bit challenging because we are not that used to playing red ball. But I think we all are very excited about this game. We had four-five sessions where we all looked really good in the nets. So, I think this is something we are not used to, but we are very excited. I think when you're excited about something, you always give your best."

The India captain admitted she was surprised to learn that Lord's had never hosted a women's Test before and said playing at the famous ground is a dream for every cricketer.

"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 about playing Test matches, and playing in Lord's is one of the dreams. I'm so happy that we got this opportunity. And other girls are also very excited and as a team, we are really looking forward to this opportunity.

"We were having a discussion that after so many years, this match is going to happen. And it took us so many years to feel that women can also be part of Lord's Test match. So, I mean, I was surprised to know, I wasn't aware of this. But, yeah, I mean, it's a great opportunity. I just look at, you know, maybe it's late, but not too late. Still I'm playing and still getting this opportunity to be part of this historic day," said Harmanpreet.

Harmanpreet urged every player to contribute and support one another to make the historic occasion memorable.

"Sometimes, you feel a little low when things don't go your way. So, I think, this Test match is very important for us. If we play together and support each other, and win our team at that time, I think this victory can bring us a lot of confidence back. And along with that, it will also help us a lot in the upcoming tournaments. And this month is going to be a very historic moment," she added.

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur believes a victory in the historic women's Test against England at Lord's would help the team move on from its disappointing T20 World Cup campaign and give the players a major confidence boost.

The one-off Test, beginning on Friday, will be the first women's Test to be played at Lord's, 142 years after the iconic venue hosted its first men's Test.

Speaking ahead of the match, Harmanpreet described the occasion as a landmark moment for Indian women's cricket.

"I think this Test match is a very big 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," the skipper said.

She believes a victory at Lord's could help India regain confidence after the early World Cup exit.

"...in patches we did well, but unfortunately as a team, we couldn't do so well (in T20 WC). But through this Test match, we can cover a lot of things. We can bring that confidence back. Then you feel so strong, you feel, you know, you're the best team in the world," Harmanpreet said.

Head coach Amol Muzumdar said the players were excited about being part of a landmark occasion.

"It just boggles my mind that it is just the first Test match here at Lords. Having said that, I am really fortunate and would like to extend my wishes to everyone who is involved in this. It is a great occasion and we are looking forward to it," said Muzumdar.

He added that playing a Test at Lord's is a dream for every Indian cricketer.

"It is a dream to play a Test match for any Indian cricketer, leave alone playing at Lords. I am sure everyone who would wear those whites would be proud of them being there at Lord's to play the Test match," the veteran of 171 first-class games added.