India, July 10 -- As Harmanpreet came down from the dressing room and stepped through the Long Room she walked into history. It took Lord's 210 years to admit women as members and another 50 to stage a women's Test. For Harmanpreet, this is her 8th Test in a career stretching almost 17 years.

The 4-day/100-overs-a-day Test is an occasion to cherish as a major landmark in the growth of women's cricket. Lord's (the 'Home of cricket') has a long history and staging this Test after hosting 150 men's Tests is a significant concession to history and gender equality.

But forget the occasion; Lord's is special anytime and when the sun is beating down from a blue sky the magic is unmistakeable. Lord's is cricket, it has atmosphere and character ...