India moved within touching distance of a historic victory at Lord’s after a dominant Day 2, with Kranti Gaud’s maiden five-wicket haul laying the foundation before Smriti Mandhana’s unbeaten half-century extended the visitors’ advantage to 269 runs with nine wickets in hand.
After returning with memorable figures of 5/37 to bowl England out for 170, Gaud addressed the media on her breakthrough performance, becoming the first woman on the Lord’s honours board and India’s plans heading into Day 3.
India’s bowling plan: Dot balls or wickets
Gaud revealed that India’s bowling unit had a simple approach, keep attacking and create pressure.
“Our plan was to keep bowling in the right areas. In Test cricket, wickets are more important than anything. If one bowler concedes runs, the other has to build pressure with dot balls. Our focus was always on either creating dot-ball pressure or taking wickets.”
“I feel I can do even better”
The 21-year-old admitted that her maiden five-wicket haul has boosted her confidence but believed there is plenty more to come from her for India.
“I feel really good because I’ve taken five wickets in a Test match. It gives me confidence, but I also feel that if I can do this, I can perform even better in the future.”
England conditions suit my bowling
Having also enjoyed success in England previously, Gaud credited the conditions for complementing her style of bowling.
“The conditions in England have always suited me. I took six wickets here last year as well. My job is simply to bowl in the right areas and let the pitch and conditions do the rest.”
‘Very proud’ to be on the Lord’s honours board
Gaud became the first woman to have her name etched on the Lord’s honours board and admitted it was a moment she will always cherish.
“I feel very proud to be the first woman on the honours board. It’s a proud moment not only for me but also for my family.”
She also revealed there was a nervous wait before her fifth wicket was confirmed after Shafali Verma’s catch at second slip.
“Initially I couldn’t see whether the catch had been taken cleanly. I wanted to celebrate immediately, but my teammates told me to wait until the replay confirmed it.”
Sciver-Brunt’s wicket changed the game
For Gaud, the dismissal of England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt after lunch proved to be the defining moment of the innings.
“Their partnership had gone on for quite a while and we needed a breakthrough. Once we got that wicket, we felt the momentum shift. One wicket gives you confidence to keep pushing for the next.”
Learning from Smriti Mandhana
Gaud also praised Smriti Mandhana’s batting and revealed that she often seeks advice from the India vice-captain.
“Smriti always bats so well. I learn a lot from watching her, and sometimes I even ask her for batting advice so that I can improve my own game.”
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