Chandigarh pacer Nandini Sharma is set to make history on Friday by becoming the first cricketer from the city to play a Test for the Indian women's team. The one-off Test between India and England is scheduled to start from July 10 at the Lord's Cricket Ground. Nandini, who has represented India in other formats, is expected to make her Test debut against England.
Historic First for UTCA Players
Earlier, Kashvee Gautam had represented India against Australia, but Nandini’s appearance at Lord’s would be a first for any UTCA (Union Territory Cricket Association) player in a Test at the historic venue. This milestone underscores the growing talent pool from Chandigarh in women's cricket.
Women's Test at Lord's After 142 Years
A women’s Test will be played at Lord’s after 142 years. Since 1937, the England women’s team has played 55 Tests at 19 different grounds, but Lord’s remained untouched. In June 2023, a report by the Commission for Equality in Cricket described the absence of a women’s Test at Lord’s as “shameful”.
Pride for UTCA
“Seeing a UTCA player on the verge of making her Test debut at the iconic Lord’s is a matter of immense pride for all of us. Nandini has earned this opportunity through her outstanding performances in the past,” said Saraansh Tandon, president of UTCA.
