Hundred Heroine Bhatia Says Its’s ‘Unbelievable’ To Be On Lord’s Honours Board

Bhatia’s 113 was the cornerstone of India’s second innings of 341-7 on Sunday, with England needing a massive 427 to win the first women’s test at Lord’s.

England fell to 130-6 on the third day of four matches and India were well placed to seal victory in the fixture played 142 years and 150 matches after the first men’s test at the famous London ground.

Bhatia’s innings, his first international century, was all the more credited as it came just six months after he underwent surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his left knee.

The 25-year-old also had responsibility for keeping a junior staff at Lord’s amid soaring temperatures in London.

“I think this is incredible,” Bhatia told reporters after the events.

“Six months ago I was in a very different place. If you had told me then that my name would be on the honor board, I wouldn’t have believed it.”

-‘The time will come’-

Bhatia spent part of her innings batting alongside fellow left-hander Smriti Mandhana, who was dismissed for 70 after scoring 83 in India’s first innings.

Apart from admiring the opener’s batting qualities, Bhatia said Mandhana also provided important guidance in his rehabilitation after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

“I spoke to him and he looked at me and said this would be a turning point in his career.

“We met when I was in rehab and a little nervous. But he said to me, ‘you’re a sincere kid, a good person; keep working hard, your time will come.'”

However, Bhatia emphasized that it is a long road to reach full fitness.

“I had to start from scratch,” he explained. “Every muscle you train, you need to work every muscle around the knee.

“And then there will be progress slowly, gradually, not in one day or two. That’s why it’s so frustrating to miss big tournaments and just rehab.”

Thanking his family for their support, Bhatia said it was his training in wicketkeeping that reignited his love for cricket.

“I just caught it, I didn’t even bat, I caught it first. So I was very happy. That day I was like a little kid, smiling all day long, and four months later I kept it… And after that I felt the love of the game again.”

Bhatia had a good chance to catch a glimpse in the first ball of Sunday’s game and was still not out for 39 overs when a delivery from Lauren Bell saved her from stumps without dislodging the bails.

But from then on the entire command was in his hands and Bhatia 91 was not out for lunch.

There were no ‘nervous 90s’ for Bhatia as she raced towards her century in the first century after the break, as back-to-back fours from Issy Wong took her to 99 and the fast bowler completed a century off 145 balls, including 12 fours, in a single.

“I thought if I get some loose deliveries I will try to make the most of it,” Bhatia explained.

“There was no rush in the dressing room, no extra pressure.

“We had wickets too. I always play my best when I play for the team, so I thought it would be good if we stepped up here, got some runs at good pace.”

Bhatia eventually found refuge in Sophie Ecclestone and England’s left-arm spinner also earned a place in the honors with her five-wicket haul.

“He batted very well and he really deserved it,” said Ecclestone of Bhatia. “It’s pretty cool for him to be on the honorary board.”