‘Privileged to play here, hopefully I’ll perform well,' Sayali Satghare

Sayali Satghare. Pic/BCCI

Lord's, known as the ‘Home of Cricket,' will witness its first ever women's Test, between India and England, beginning today, 142 years after the London venue hosted its first men's Test between England and Australia on July 21, 1884.

And like India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Mumbai-based India pacer Sayali Satghare is also excited to be a part of history and play at the iconic venue.

"It is a big thing. It is a privilege to play at Lord's. Last year, I was there with the Indian team for the one-day series, but I did not play that match. So, this time, I am looking forward to, hopefully, playing and performing well," Satghare told mid-day recently.

Satghare, 26, a Borivli resident, made her Test debut against Australia in a day-night affair at Perth last March with impressive figures of 4-50. However, India lost the Test by 10 wickets. She had claimed 2-38 as India ‘A' beat England ‘A' by 59 runs at Taunton last Saturday.

"From childhood, we have seen [on TV] matches being played at Lord's. It's such a prestigious ground, so I'm very excited and looking forward to it," Satghare said.

Last month, Satghare led from the front to help SOBO Mumbai Falcons clinch the inaugural T20 Mumbai Women's League title.

Satghare has represented the country in one Test and three ODIs (claimed three wickets) so far.

"I like Test cricket. I have played internationally and also in domestic multi-day games, I enjoy playing Test cricket, definitely. But T20 is something different.

It's a shorter format and faster game. So, you can't choose one or the other, but yes, I definitely like playing Test cricket," Satghare signed off.

Zero
No. of women's Tests played at Lord's prior to today's game between England and India

Four
No. of wickets claimed by Sayali Satghare in her only Test against Australia in Perth earlier this year