Deepti backs India after gritty Lord’s effort on opening day
India all-rounder Deepti Sharma credited the top order for laying the platform before her fighting half-century helped India reach 285 on the opening day of the historic first-ever women's Test at Lord's.
Smriti Mandhana (83), Harmanpreet Kaur (58) and Deepti Sharma (57) all made valuable contributions to open proceedings at Lord's.
Deepti's composed 57 ensured India posted a competitive total of 285, leaving England 21/1 at stumps on Day 1 after Kranti Gaud struck early to remove Tammy Beaumont.
Reflecting on her knock, Deepti stressed the importance of partnerships that steadied India after the middle-order wobble.
"It feels good that I was able to do this partnership at a crucial time. All credit goes to our 3-4 batters who gave a good start. Jemi, Harry di (Harmanpreet) and Smriti. They built the innings very well."
That platform, she felt, was especially valuable on a surface that demanded constant adjustments from the batters.
"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."
Among India's top-order efforts, Mandhana's fluent 83 stood out, with Deepti praising the opener's temperament after wickets fell around her.
"I think she batted really well. Sometimes it happens.
"Few players got out early and sometimes had to take that responsibility. I think she showed her character today. From there, she started her innings."
With the ball already showing signs of grip and variable bounce late on Day 1, Deepti expects India's bowlers to lean into those conditions as they look to build on their early breakthrough.
"We will focus more on our bowling strength. 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 our right areas. We have to continue to bowl back-to-back."
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Beyond the contest itself, Deepti also reflected on the significance of playing the first women's Test at the Home of Cricket, calling it another milestone in the rapid rise of the women's game.
"Tests are always special. It is an amazing feeling to play cricket. Women's cricket has grown a lot in the last 4-5 years."
"People are recognizing each other. That is a big thing. As a team, we have achieved a good spirit."
"We want to continue that for the next generation."
England will begin Day 2 with a 264-run deficit.