Deepti Sharma credits top order after India’s strong start at Lord’s

Deepti Sharma praised India's top-order batters after scoring a fighting half-century in the women's Test at Lord's. India posted 285 before reducing England to 21/1, taking early control of the historic match on the opening day.

London: India all-rounder Deepti Sharma credited the team’s top-order batters for laying the perfect foundation after her fighting half-century guided the visitors to a competitive 285 on the opening day of the historic first-ever women’s Test at Lord’s on Friday.

Smriti Mandhana (83), Harmanpreet Kaur (58) and Deepti (57) guided India through some middle-order trouble as they recovered to post 285 before striking early with the ball when Kranti Gaud dismissed Tammy Beaumont for 11 with England at 21/1.

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The left-handed all-rounder attributed the key partnerships to the solid foundation laid by the top order.

“It feels good that I was able to build this partnership at a crucial time. All credit goes to our top-order batters, who gave us a good start.

“Jemi, Harry di (Harmanpreet) and Smriti. They built the innings very well,” Deepti was quoted as saying by the ICC.

The all-rounder also highlighted the challenging nature of the pitch, which offered turn and inconsistent bounce.

“The wicket is slightly turning and sometimes keeping low. The wicket is not the same.

“We have to be prepared when the ball can bounce and when it can stay low. Tomorrow (Day 2) will be a very important day for us.”

Mandhana also drew praise from Deepti for holding the innings together during a difficult phase.

“I think she batted really well. Sometimes it happens.

“A few players got out early and someone had to take that responsibility. I think she showed her character today. From there, she built her innings.”

India’s bowlers can take confidence from the way the pitch behaved late on Day 1, and Deepti believes they can make the most of the conditions by maintaining discipline.

“We will focus more on our bowling strengths. Like today’s wicket, we were getting a slight turn. But sometimes, the ball was bouncing.

“It will help us tomorrow. But we have to focus on the right areas. We have to continue to bowl in the right areas consistently.”

Playing at Lord’s for the first time in a women’s Test is a proud moment for the players, and Deepti spoke about how the women’s game has evolved in recent years.

“Tests are always special. It is an amazing feeling to play cricket. Women’s cricket has grown a lot in the last four to five years.

“People are recognising each other. That is a big thing. As a team, we have developed a strong spirit.

“We want to continue that for the next generation.”

England will resume Day 2 at 21/1, trailing India by 264 runs.