By Glen Robertson
Charlotte Edwards wants to see women’s Test matches become a more regular occurrence following the one-off clash with India at Wormsley.
The tourists – playing their first long-format game for eight years – recorded a six-wicket success before lunch on the final day of the contest.
Despite the defeat, England’s skipper called for Test matches to be incorporated into all women’s international series in the future, like they have been for the past two Ashes series.
She said: “We’ve loved every minute of it. The young girls playing their first Test or only their second Test, they’re absolutely loving it. I’m sure the Indian girls who made their debuts (did too).
“I think this is why Test cricket is alive in the women’s game. We’ve had some great experiences over here for the three days.
“The multi-format should be spread across all our international series we play. There’s so much that can be learnt from Test cricket and the players want to play it, so I think this is another advert for Women’s Test cricket.
“The last two Tests we’ve played have been two of the best games I’ve played in. It’s been a really good Test match, although low scoring. But I think the second innings showed that Test cricket is definitely alive.”
Edwards believes England would have been better prepared to deal with the Test – which saw 16 wickets fall on the first day – had they been able to play more games in the format.
She added: “What we do need to do is to play more of the longer format game to experience this type of cricket more often so players, when they come into these situations, can adapt and learn from that.”
India Women’s captain Mithali Raj, who steered her side home with an unbeaten half-century, was delighted to end her long wait to feature in a Test match once again.
The 31-year-old had feared her four-day career was over, with her last appearance in the format back in 2006 against England at Taunton.
And Raj echoed Edwards’ calls for more Tests.
“When I played the last Test and after that when I got to know we wouldn’t be playing any more Test matches it was quite sad for me,” she said.
“As a cricketer you want to play more Test matches as it will challenge all your endurance level, the mental aspect of your game. It’s quite challenging but I’m very happy I got to play another Test.
“I don’t know how many years I’ve got to play but I’m quite happy before I hang up my boots I got to play one more Test.
“It feels very different when you play Test matches and I’m looking forward to more Tets matches being played.”