Womens Cricket Needs More Test Matches: Sneh Rana

Mumbai, July 15: Currently, due to commercial benefits, the international cricket calendar for women primarily focuses on T20 and ODI formats. However, following India’s historic 270-run Test victory against England at Lord’s, prominent off-spin all-rounder Sneh Rana has advocated for more Test matches in women’s cricket, citing the men’s Ashes series as an example.

In an exclusive interview, Sneh discussed her preparations for the series, bowling strategies during the match, post-match celebrations at Lord’s, and the promotion of women’s red-ball cricket. Here are some excerpts from the conversation:

Question: How was your preparation for the historic Test match after arriving in England?
Answer: When I first joined the team and we went for our initial practice session, it was my first experience with the Dukes ball. It felt a bit heavier, and I could feel its seam. The ball bounces quite a bit at Lord’s. After a couple of practice sessions, I learned about the grip and how firmly to hold it. I practiced all those aspects. Eventually, when I practiced at Lord’s, I gauged the pitch and how the red ball would behave. I understood that we might get some turn at Lord’s, which was a positive aspect.

Question: How did you adapt to the conditions to gain extra bounce and turn?
Answer: The aim was to give as much revolution to the ball as possible and utilize my fingers for maximum turn. Every ball required effort because for any ball we release from above, known as top spin, finger usage is crucial. If we just let the ball go, it would come easily to the bat. The pitch was good for batting and bowling. We had to work a bit harder with the Dukes ball. Ultimately, the result was in our favor, which is a good thing.

Question: What was the strategy behind taking the wickets of Nat Sciver-Brunt and then Sophie Ecclestone in the second innings?
Answer: Planning in a Test match is quite straightforward. I don’t experiment much and focus solely on my line and length. I trust myself because the more patient you are while bowling in a Test match, the more success you will achieve. The plan was simple. The LBW wicket came from their mistake. But the second ball was also according to the same plan; they had to play a drive. However, they attempted a sweep shot, and I found the gap between the bat and pad, which is why the result was in my favor.

It was evident that this happened due to the spin of the ball because before that, I was forcing Ecclestone to play ‘on the up.’ So, they were easily driving. But I bowled that ball a bit back. Perhaps they misjudged the length, and again a gap was created between the bat and pad because I was getting good turn there. There were several balls that could have gone between the bat and pad. The ball hit the pad, and I got a few wickets that way.

Question: Tell us about the celebrations after the match, as Sachin was shaking hands with everyone, and after lifting the trophy, you went to the fans. How did it feel?
Answer: When we won the match, Sachin sir, Jay Shah sir, Devjeet Saikia sir, and others were standing outside to congratulate us. After meeting them, we went to the fans because nothing would be possible without their support. The fans came out in large numbers to support us. It didn’t feel like a Test match at all. They were cheering enthusiastically and encouraging us a lot. Since this is a long format, sometimes you get tired standing on the field. You don’t realize what’s happening and what works because it’s a lengthy format. But they were boosting our morale and cheering us on. They were saying, ‘Come on, India.’ Hearing them was very uplifting.

That’s why we went to them and thanked them. Fans hold a special place in a player’s life because without them, we are nothing. If we have their support, perhaps women’s cricket will progress further. It was very gratifying that so many people came to watch the Test match. I believe the attendance at Lord’s for any Test match reached over 37,000 (37,846 fans, setting a new world record for attendance in women’s Tests). This is a significant victory for women’s cricket.

Question: There was a time until 1999 when women were not allowed to join the MCC or stay in the pavilion at Lord’s. How significant was this moment culturally now that the first women’s Test has taken place?
Answer: This match is indeed a big victory because former England cricketers who attended were given a ‘guard of honor’ before the match started. Previously, when women were barred from entering, they were not even allowed in that ‘long room’ where people yearned to watch the match.

Today, every female player walks onto the field from there. Everyone applauds for them. There can’t be anything bigger than that. When you stand on that balcony and walk from the ‘long room’ to the field, that moment is very emotional. It feels very special. I believe this is a significant victory for both women’s cricket and England cricket for what they have accomplished. Perhaps former cricketers struggled a lot at that time. Today, we have the opportunity to play there. Thanks to them.

Question: Say something about the old legends of Indian cricket who paved the way for this big moment to become a reality?
Answer: We must remember them because they laid the foundation; they witnessed that struggle. Perhaps it is because of them that players like us can play here today. It is essential to give them recognition because there were not many facilities and media coverage at that time. Therefore, no one knows who did what. But ultimately, today when we see them on the field or look at their statistics, we feel immense pride.