Gaud’s impressive figures of 5/37 facilitated India to bowl out England for 170, granting them a substantial 115-run lead in the first innings. By the end of Day 2, India had increased their lead to 269, sitting at 154/1 in their second innings with Smriti Mandhana not out at 69.
“It’s a totally different experience for me. I take great pride in being the first woman to have my name on the Lord’s Honours Board. It’s a moment of pride for my family,” the 22-year-old Gaud stated after the day’s play.
Previously, Gaud also achieved a five-wicket haul (6/52) in an ODI against England last year.
“Every player aspires to take a five-wicket haul. Since it’s the first time we are playing at Lord’s, I thought if I could secure five wickets, get my name on the board, and take wickets for the team to help us win,” Gaud said.
Reflecting on Shafali Verma’s remarkable catch to dismiss Lauren Bell and complete her five-wicket haul, Gaud shared that she felt confident throughout the day that she would achieve five wickets in the innings.
Bell’s wicket was a remarkable display of fielding. The England player edged a fuller delivery, which Sneh Rana partially caught at second slip, allowing Verma to dive and execute an incredible one-handed catch.
“Whatever happens, happens for the best. I had a strong feeling today that I would get five wickets. Sneh Rana really worked hard to try to secure the catch. When she didn’t hold on, Shafali put in 100 percent effort.
“…the catch went up, and there was a fumble. I briefly lost sight of the ball, but then it appeared Shafali had caught it. I was about to celebrate my five-wicket haul, but my teammates advised me to wait for the replay and the decision.
“The sensation is truly special. While I’ve taken a five-wicket haul before (in an ODI), this marks my first in a Test match. I aim to improve and feel I can achieve even more,” Gaud added.
Gaud credited the seam-friendly conditions in England for her success, emphasizing that her focus was to consistently hit the right areas and let the pitch assist her.
“The wickets in England have worked to my advantage. Last year, I captured six wickets here as well. The pitches favor fast bowlers, so I concentrated on maintaining the right line and length, allowing the ball to do the rest.”
She highlighted the dismissal of England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt as her favorite of the innings, stating it was significant as the hosts were building momentum after lunch. Sciver-Brunt was dismissed lbw for 44, enabling India to further tighten their grip on the match.
“The captain’s wicket after lunch was particularly special because she was forming a solid partnership. We were struggling to make breakthroughs, but that wicket after lunch was crucial,” Gaud noted.
