It is just not easy for any team to switch into the Test mode, from T20Is. The Indian women’s team is slated to play their first ever Test at the Lord’s, just a few days after they were ousted from the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, in the league stages. Taking on England in a historic Test, the confidence could be at an all time low, considering how bad they were against South Africa and Australia. Nonetheless, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur wants to get back to winning ways, for more than one reason.
India would settle for nothing less than win at Lord’s
On the eve of the IND vs ENG Test, Harmanpreet admitted that the team collectively failed to deliver. “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,” she said at the pre-match media interaction.
It is not like India have been poor for a prolonged period of time; in fact they had won the World Cup 2025, and now the team wants to feel, that they are best in the world, once again. “…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.
“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.
Shree Charani in line for debut
And, perhaps indirectly, Harman gave away, that Shree Charani is all set to make her Test debut, especially after her exploits in the World Cup, where she finished as the highest wicket-taker – 14 in 5. “Charani is one of our key bowlers. No doubt about it. And the way she performed in the T20 World Cup, and she has been doing it even before that. I think she has given a surety to the team, that she is there to bowl all those crucial overs.
“And whenever the team needs a breakthrough, she is always there for the team. So I think it is very important for such players to be in the team. Players like her give a lot of confidence to me also as a captain.”
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