As the Indian women’s team prepares to step back into the Test arena after a hiatus of over two years, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana shared her enthusiasm for the longest format. India will play their first home Test match against England at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai from December 14 to December 17.
Mandhana, a stalwart in the Indian lineup, highlighted the significant strides women’s cricket has taken in recent years, emphasizing the heightened support witnessed during the T20I series against England at the Wankhede Stadium. The vice-captain also acknowledged the positive changes in women’s cricket post-2017, citing increased crowd attendance and the noteworthy pay equality with men’s cricketers.
She remarked, “A lot of things have changed for women’s cricket, especially post-2017. We could see that change at Wankhede Stadium—the kind of crowd that attended the venue to support us for T20Is and the kind of support we are getting. Plus, of course, the pay equality (with men’s cricketers). Definitely, women’s cricket is on the rise.”
“India in whites is a different feeling,” says Smriti Mandhana
Expressing her excitement about playing a Test match at home after more than nine years, Mandhana conveyed her anticipation, saying, “Really excited to wear the whites again on home soil. Representing India in whites is a different feeling altogether.” Despite having featured in only four Tests since her international debut in 2013, Mandhana’s eagerness to play in the traditional whites underscores the significance of the upcoming fixture.
The DY Patil Stadium will host India’s four-day Test against England, followed by another Test match against Australia at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. Mandhana’s sentiments capture not only her enthusiasm but also resonate with the broader sentiment of a team eager to showcase their prowess in the format, marking a significant chapter in the resurgence of women’s Test cricket in India. The series is poised to be a landmark moment, with players like Mandhana playing a pivotal role in steering the women’s game to new heights on home soil.
