Andhra’s Sree Charani scripts history with Test debut at Lord’s
Andhra Pradesh scripted a new chapter in its cricketing history on Thursday as 21-year-old left-arm spinner N. Sree Charani became the first woman cricketer from the state to represent India in a Test match.
The Kadapa-born spinner received her maiden Test cap from India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana ahead of the one-off Test against England at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, marking a significant milestone for Andhra cricket.
Sree Charani’s elevation to the Test side follows a dream run in international cricket. After earning her maiden India call-up in April this year, she made her ODI debut before featuring in the T20I series during India’s tour of England. In a short span, she has established herself as one of India’s most promising young left-arm spinners.
The youngster has claimed 27 wickets in 21 One-Day Internationals and 42 wickets in 25 T20 Internationals at an impressive average of 16.24, highlighting her consistency across the white-ball formats.
Her selection for the Test side came on the back of a sensational campaign in the recently concluded ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England, where she emerged as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets in five matches at a remarkable average of eight. Her match-winning performances played a pivotal role in India’s campaign and strengthened her case for a place in the Test squad.
The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) hailed the achievement as a defining moment for the state.
“A historic day for Indian cricket and a monumental moment for Andhra Pradesh. History has been rewritten at the Home of Cricket as Sree Charani makes her Test debut, officially becoming Andhra Pradesh’s first woman Test cricketer,” the ACA said in a statement.
The association also praised her journey from the domestic circuit to the international stage, saying her success would inspire a new generation of aspiring cricketers in Andhra Pradesh.
Sree Charani’s Test debut at the Home of Cricket is being celebrated as a landmark achievement for Andhra Pradesh and a proud moment for Indian women’s cricket.