England seamer Issy Wong believes the inaugural women’s Test at Lord’s should be the beginning of a much bigger future for the longest format in women’s cricket. After England fought back to bowl India out for 285 before reaching 21/1 at Stumps on Day 1, Wong reflected on the occasion, England’s bowling plans and her dismissal of Smriti Mandhana.
“We want more Test cricket in the calendar”
While acknowledging the historic significance of the match, Wong insisted the focus should be on ensuring it is not remembered as a one-off.
“We absolutely love Test cricket and we want more of it in the calendar. We want these matches to keep coming and for the schedule to include more of them in the future.”
She added that the current England side has a responsibility to build on the legacy left behind by previous generations.
“It’s because of the players before us that we’re in this position. It’s almost our duty to enjoy this occasion, appreciate it and make sure it happens again.”
“285 was a pleasing effort to restrict them to”
After India looked well placed for a total comfortably in excess of 300, England clawed their way back by taking wickets at regular intervals.
“It was really satisfying to bowl them out before the end of the day. The thought of not having to come back and finish the innings tomorrow certainly keeps you going when things get tough.”
Wong also praised fellow seamer Lauren Filer after the pair spent the days preparing with the red ball following the Women’s T20 World Cup.
“It feels like Lauren and I have been building towards this match for a while. We’ve put in a lot of hard work with the red ball and it was nice to finally get out there.”
The plan to dismiss Mandhana
Mandhana looked in complete control during her innings of 83 before Wong tempted her into chasing a wide delivery outside off stump.
“I decided to come around the wicket and use my wobble-seam delivery. I looked at the ball and thought it was still shiny enough to swing. When someone is batting as comfortably as Smriti was, you’re constantly thinking about how to unsettle them.”
She admitted the delivery was not executed exactly as intended.
“Did I mean it to be quite that wide? No. I was hoping it would swing more, but I’m certainly happy with the outcome.”
A day to remember at Lord’s
Wong described the occasion as emotional, particularly with former England players present for the pre-match ceremony.
“It was a really special day. Having all the former players there and hearing the bell ring before the start actually made us a little emotional. They’re the reason we’re able to play days like this.”
Growing up watching Test cricket at Lord’s, Wong admitted playing in the first women’s Test at the venue was something she never imagined.
“I don’t think I ever realised it hadn’t happened before, but it’s about time. The crowds we’ve seen during the World Cup show there’s more than enough support for women’s cricket to be played on these grounds.”
With England trailing by 264 but possessing plenty of batting depth, Wong believes the opening day has left the hosts in a strong position heading into Day 2 of this historic Test.
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