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'Reward For Hardwork...,' - Kaur Credits India's Offensive Intent For 'Historic' Australia Win

image-lqje3kglIndian women's cricket team after win over AUS (X.com)

The Indian women's cricket team made history earlier today by registering its first-ever Test win against the mighty Australia. While the visitors fought back aggressively in the second innings, the hosts held their nerves to trigger a lower-order collapse.

Indian bowlers clipped five wickets under 30 runs to bowl out the Aussies for 261 runs in the second innings.

The Aussies handed over a low target of 75 runs on the fourth and final day of the lone test. While India lost Shafali Verma early in the chase, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur sent all-rounder Richa Ghosh to number three in a bold move.

The move worked wonders, as Ghosh played an anchor role for Smriti Mandhana. While Richa also perished in the 16th over, India successfully chased down the total in 18.4 overs to etch a memorable victory. Having said that, winning captain Harmanpreet Kaur addressed the media after the historic win and credited the team for its aggressive intent.


Harmanpreet Kaur Lauds India's Perseverance Vs AUS!

Kaur reckoned that ahead of the game, the mantra to success conveyed by support staff was clear: stay offensive from all fronts. The idea behind sending Ghosh to number three was part of the same plan.

"Reward for all the hard work we have done for so many years. Credit to the team and the support staff. Reward for the hard work and patience. We just wanted to play positive cricket, and that is why we wanted to put Richa Ghosh at no.3. We did not want to go back to defensive cricket and everyone knows how Richa plays," Kaur said to media.



Further addressing the bowing performance, Kaur added that Indian coaches wanted front-line bowlers to bowl on aggressive lengths and go for wickets. At the end of the day, the bowling coaches were happy with the 20 wickets the girls managed to clip over the course of four days.

"We just wanted to stick to the basics and do the right task. Our support staff asked me to bowl and I got those two important wickets. [Taking 20 wickets] Our bowling coach is only telling the bowlers about taking wickets, not being defensive. What best we can do, what's the best we can bring to the team," she added.

Lastly, Kaur summed up India's win, saying that it's a reward for the hard work and patience the team put in over the course of several years. The girls' perseverance under odd circumstances was commendable. 

The captain also thanked the BCCI for allowing the women's team an opportunity to showcase their talent at the highest level against a mighty opponent. Last but not least, Kaur thanked the Mumbai crowd for turning up in large numbers to back the team.