India’s Women’s Cricket Team Prepares for Test Match Against South Africa in Chennai

India’s women’s cricket team, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, is gearing up for a Test match against South Africa at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This match is a significant opportunity for the team to get accustomed to home conditions ahead of the 2025 ODI World Cup.

Historical Context

The team last played at this venue in 2007 during the Women’s Quadrangular Series, and their last Test match here was in 1976. The stadium has yet to host women’s T20Is.

Recent Performances

After winning the ODI series 3-0 against South Africa, India will face them in the Test match starting Friday. Since the end of 2022, the women’s team has played all international matches in India, primarily in Navi Mumbai or Mumbai, until the recent ODI series in Bengaluru.

Captain’s Insights

Harmanpreet Kaur expressed the importance of this series for gaining confidence and understanding the pitch conditions. She emphasized focusing on each session rather than the entire game to avoid overthinking. The team has won back-to-back Tests against England and Australia in December 2023.

Coaching Support

Harmanpreet highlighted the valuable experience of head coach Amol Muzumdar, who has played 171 first-class matches. His guidance has been crucial in helping her make decisions on the field.

“We don’t have much idea about how the Chennai wicket is going to play. We have only seen when the men were playing but women’s cricket is totally different… the pace, the way we bowl and bat, I think we’ll know that only once we take the field tomorrow,” Harmanpreet said.