The landscape of women’s cricket has seen significantly fewer Test matches compared to the men’s game, a reality that comes into sharp focus for the Indian women’s cricket team, which has not engaged in the longest format since 2021. Cast your mind back further to recall India’s last home Test and the year is 2014—a considerable interval that underscores the rarity of red-ball cricket for the nation’s female cricketers. Transitioning from white to red-ball cricket is a demanding challenge, given the prevalence of limited-overs cricket.
As India’s vice-captain, Smriti Mandhana didn’t mince words when discussing the impending hurdles the team will encounter as they prepare for a one-off Test against England in Mumbai, commencing Thursday, December 14. Speaking at the press conference held at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, Mandhana emphasized not only the physical demands but, crucially, the importance of the mental shift essential for excelling in Test cricket.
Foreseeing the taxing nature of four consecutive days of cricket, Mandhana voiced the novelty of this undertaking for a team used to T20s and ODIs spaced apart for recovery. “Playing two back-to-back T20s is something we were already mentally prepared for. Because playing for four continuous days, more than the physical part, it’s about focusing on each and every ball. Especially the way you bat will change and so, mental preparation is important,” she explained.
Mandhana revealed the commencement of the team’s mental preparation with a meeting prior to the start of practice sessions. Moreover, the vice-captain highlighted her own excitement to don the Test whites, signaling a new chapter for the team and reflecting on the transformed landscape of women’s cricket since the 2017 World Cup, with increasingly supportive crowds and the stride towards pay equity.
With a fresh yet inexperienced squad stepping into the Test arena and Harmanpreet Kaur debuting as Test captain, some may perceive India’s readiness for the format as lacking. However, Mandhana offered an optimistic perspective, suggesting that simplicity in approach would aid their adaptation to the red ball’s nuances. The opening batter expressed a firm belief that the domestic cricket structure will evolve should the frequency of international Test matches increase, providing an impetus for longer formats at the grassroots level.
After the protracted wait for a home Test, India now faces the prospect of playing two such fixtures within a span of a month—a rarity according to Mandhana. Following the England encounter, an Australian challenge looms, marking a significant moment for Indian women’s Test cricket.
Regarding the possibility of a World Test Championship for women, akin to the prestigious format in men’s cricket, Mandhana shared her enthusiasm for such an opportunity, leaving the decision in the hands of cricketing boards and the ICC. She also imparted words of encouragement to the younger players experiencing their Test debut, urging them to channel their excitement productively for the team’s benefit.
As Test cricket maintains a revered status within the sport, Mandhana’s articulate comments reflect a player grounded in the nuances of the game and respectful of its rich heritage, while simultaneously pushing for its evolution. As India takes on the challenge of the longer format, the players’ mental fortitude, coupled with their cricketing prowess, will be the cornerstone of their performance on the field. The awaited Test series stands as a testament to the enduring allure of cricket’s most traditional format, even as it adapts to contemporary contexts.