48 years since first-ever Test series, Chepauk ready to host India women

"OH! It was some 48 years ago.

- KALYANI MANGALE

Let's see how much I remember," laughs Shubhangi Kulkarni. She is right. It has been 48 long years since India women officially played a Test match against West Indies. It has been 48 years since Chennai's beloved Chepauk witnessed a women's Test. On Friday, the wait will end as the iconic venue will host India and South Africa in the longest format.

Kulkarni, who made her debut in 1976 against West Indies in Bengaluru, remembers it all too well. Even though it was India's official Test debut, it did not feel like one for them. "There were a few unofficial matches before we officially played a Test against the West Indies. I don't remember ever getting a Test cap from someone. So technically, when we played against the West Indies, all of us made our debuts. In Bengaluru, that was the first international Test. It was new for all of us, to be honest," the former India allrounder told this daily.