Harmanpreet pushes for more women’s tests

Harmanpreet Kaur has renewed calls for more women’s Test cricket as India prepare to face England in the first women’s Test ever played at Lord’s. With only 13 Tests staged since 2021, she said players naturally want greater opportunities in the longest format, while acknowledging that scheduling decisions rest with cricket authorities. Harmanpreet believes the sport is progressing and noted India’s growing involvement, including a Test earlier this year.

She emphasised the need to rebuild domestic red‑ball structures, arguing that regular first‑class cricket would better prepare players for Test demands. The India captain described the chance to play a Lord’s Test as a dream realised, expressing surprise that the venue had never hosted one before.

India enter the match eager to rebound from their early T20 World Cup exit, with Harmanpreet confident in her team’s mindset and recent Test form. She said the squad’s excitement for the format remains strong despite its rarity.