Harmanpreet calls for many more Test matches in the future ahead of the historic Lord's clash

On the eve of a landmark occasion for the women's game, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur has called for many more Test matches in the future, as her side prepares to make history at Lord's. The one-off Test against England, beginning on Friday, will be the first women's Test ever staged at the Home of Cricket — a moment Harmanpreet described as the fulfilment of a lifelong dream.

Speaking at her pre-match press conference, the skipper reflected on the significance of the fixture while making a heartfelt case for the longest format to be given greater prominence in the women's calendar.

A childhood dream realised

Harmanpreet left no doubt about what the occasion means to her and her team. She called it a very big moment for everyone involved, recalling how, as children, players always dreamt about featuring in Test matches, and that playing at Lord's had been one of those cherished ambitions.

She admitted to being surprised on learning that a women's Test had never before been held at the ground, but framed the milestone in positive terms. It might be late, she reflected, but not too late — and she expressed genuine excitement at still being an active player able to be part of such a historic day.

A plea for more red-ball cricket

Asked about the overall volume of women's Test cricket and the road ahead, Harmanpreet placed her trust in the administrators while making her own desires as a competitor unmistakably clear. She said players naturally want to be part of many Test matches, but acknowledged that the decision ultimately rests with the higher authorities.

Having witnessed the highs and lows of women's cricket across the years, she said she believed the game was in the right hands. But as a player, she stressed, she wanted to play plenty of cricket rather than sit at home doing nothing, and hoped many more Tests would follow in the years to come.

The stark reality of the format

Her comments carry weight against a sobering backdrop. Since the start of 2021, only four teams — Australia, England, India and South Africa — have played women's Test cricket, with a mere 13 Tests staged over the past five and a half years, including this week's fixture at Lord's.

For India specifically, red-ball outings remain a rarity. Their last Test came in March against Australia, and this contest represents only their second of the year, highlighting just how infrequently the players get to test themselves in the format.

Strengthening the domestic base

Harmanpreet was clear that a robust pipeline is essential to sustain Test cricket, and welcomed the BCCI's renewed interest in reviving longer-format domestic competition. She noted that the women's game had shifted heavily towards white-ball cricket in recent years, at the expense of red-ball fixtures.

With the board now showing keen interest in the format, she expressed confidence that domestic red-ball games would return. She also called for more structured preparation time for senior players, pointing out that international commitments often prevent the leading names from featuring in those domestic matches.

A chance for redemption

The Test also offers India a shot at redemption after a disappointing T20 World Cup, where they exited at the group stage for a second successive time. Harmanpreet admitted it had been a very hard moment for a group that had prepared so diligently, but said the prospect of this match had kept the squad excited and united.

She believes a victory at the iconic venue could completely shift the team's momentum ahead of a busy calendar, helping to restore confidence and cover over the frustrations of the white-ball campaign. Rigorous net sessions since the World Cup exit, she added, had put the group in a good frame of mind.

Warm words for a departing rival

The press conference also saw Harmanpreet extend her best wishes to England veteran Tammy Beaumont, who will retire from international cricket after the one-off Test. Describing Beaumont as a dear friend and a very competitive cricketer with whom she has shared many memories, she wished her well for the future.

She also praised young spinner Shree Charani, one of the standout performers of India's recent tournament, as a key bowler who offers valuable leadership options on the field, underlining the emerging talent within her ranks.

The final word

Harmanpreet's words capture both the pride and the ambition surrounding this historic occasion. Walking out at Lord's represents a personal dream and a symbolic step forward for the women's game, but her plea for more Test cricket, backed by a stronger domestic structure, reflects a desire to see the format truly flourish. For India, a memorable result on such a stage would be the perfect way to turn the page — and to make the case for many more red-ball days to come.