India vs England: Lessons learned from the hosts' dominant victory in Mumbai

Women’s Test matches are infrequent, making their outcomes often inconsequential in the broader context of the sport. While exceptions like the Ashes exist, where victory contributes to a multi-format series, the scarcity of women’s Test cricket remains a challenge. Even cricket powerhouses like England, Australia, and India typically engage in a maximum of two Tests annually.

However, India’s recent triumph over England, coupled with their upcoming Test match in just four days, might signal a significant turning point. India’s influence on cricket, driven by a massive fan base, iconic players like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, revenue generation, and the IPL, has predominantly shaped men’s cricket, with Australia holding a leading position in the women’s game.

India seems poised to make substantial inroads into women’s cricket, especially with the advent of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) this year and their resounding 347-run victory over England. This victory showcased all-round talent, suggesting India could challenge Australia’s dominance in women’s cricket.

While India has had moments of brilliance, inconsistency has hindered their international success, including losses in World Cup finals and the Commonwealth Games. However, their recent comprehensive performance against England highlights the potential of a young and talented squad, including players like Pooja Vastrakar, Satheesh Shubha, Jemimah Rodrigues, Yastika Bhatia, and Deepti Sharma.

Despite India’s success, there’s room for improvement in white-ball cricket, as evidenced by England winning the preceding T20 series. The upcoming Test against Australia, unbeaten in the format for a decade, is a crucial test for India’s burgeoning prowess in women’s cricket.

The possibility of India influencing a greater focus on women’s Tests globally is evident, mirroring their impact on the men’s game. However, the feasibility of more Tests remains a challenge for countries other than England, Australia, and India due to logistical and financial constraints.

The introduction of the Women’s Premier League adds another dimension, potentially altering players’ priorities and impacting international cricket. The competition’s positive aspects, such as increased earnings and exposure for female athletes, may lead players to prioritize franchise cricket over international commitments, mirroring trends seen in men’s cricket.

As women’s cricket navigates these shifts, the choices players make, especially regarding participation in franchise leagues versus international matches, will be telling for the future trajectory of the sport. While there are promising signs for India, England, and Australia, there is also a cautionary note for the rest of the world to adapt to the evolving landscape of women’s cricket.