NEW DELHI: After a less-than-ideal performance in the T20Is, Harmanpreet Kaur-led
team India
is set to capitalize on its undeniable edge in the longer format against England. The one-off women's Test, starting Thursday, is expected to showcase India's seasoned spin attack as their primary weapon to maintain dominance over England.
Team India has a strong historical record against England in Tests, having lost only one match in 14 encounters since their rivalry began in 1986.
Harmanpreet Kaur
, leading India in Tests for the first time, aims to preserve this proud record.
The last Test between the two teams ended in a draw in June 2021 at Bristol, with Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana making notable contributions.
This Test also marks a double bonanza for Indian women's cricket, addressing the perennial debate around the lack of Test cricket in the women's circuit. After the match against England, India will face Australia in another one-off Test at the Wankhede Stadium from December 21-24.
Team India has strengthened its spin attack for the upcoming Test, including the left-arm spinner Saika Ishaque, who had a successful year and made her T20I debut against England. Ishaque's ability to take wickets and maintain tight lines makes her a valuable addition to the squad.
New faces in the squad include Karnataka's left-handed opening batter Shubha Satheesh, who impressed during the senior team's camp in Bangalore. In the batting department, Jemimah Rodrigues and Harleen Deol, yet to experience Test cricket, may join the playing XI.
Yastika Bhatia
, with one Test under her belt, could get the nod for the wicket-keeper's role over Richa Ghosh.
Seamer Renuka Singh Thakur, known for her new-ball exploits in recent T20Is, returns to the squad, providing additional firepower. In the spin department, India relies on experienced campaigners Sneh Rana and Deepti Sharma.
For England, the absence of Emma Lamb due to injury brings in batters Maia Bouchier and Kirstie Gordon into the squad. England is eager for a productive outing from key players like Nat Sciver, Katherine Brunt, Heather Knight, Danni Wyatt, Kate Cross, and Sophie Ecclestone. The visitors have extra motivation as this Test marks their 100th completed Test, with their only win over India coming in 1995.
Squads:
India Women: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Richa Ghosh (wk), Sneh Rana, Shubha Satheesh, Harleen Deol, Saika Ishaque, Renuka Singh, Titas Sadhu, Meghna Singh, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Pooja Vastrakar.
England Women: Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Bess Heath (wk), Amy Jones (wk), Heather Knight (c), Emma Lamb, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danielle Wyatt.
Time: 9:30am IST.
(With inputs from PTI)
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