The Indian women's cricket team is leading the three-match ODI series against England women 2-0 as they stepped into the iconic Lord's stadium for the third One Day International on Saturday (September 24) with an intention to clean sweep the series in England.
The also marks the legendary bowler Jhulan Goswami's last appearance in the International cricket as she will be hanging up her boots post the match.
In a touching gesture, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur let Jhulan Goswami call the toss in her farewell game at Lord's.
Harmanpreet and Jhulan came for the toss together and stood alongside England captain Amy Jones.
The India skipper was also in tears during a team huddle before the game as the side bid an emotional farewell to India's finest pacer. After the toss, Jhulan also spoke to host broadcaster Sky Sports.
Chakdaha Express' international cricket's journey has been incredible. Her illustrious career for Team India is adorned with 253 ODI wickets (203 matches), 56 T20I wickets (68 matches) and 44 Test wickets (12 matches). Her total wicket tally of 353 wickets is the most ever by a bowler in women's cricket. She has picked 43 wickets in World Cups, which is a record.
"I'd like to thank the BCCI, my friends, my family, my coaches, teammates, captains," said the bowling legend to Sky Cricket before the start of the match. "Everyone, thanks for this opportunity, this is a very special moment.
"When I started my career in 2002, I played my first series against England, and I'm ending against England in my last series. And the most important thing is that we're 2-0 up in the series, that is the most important thing for me in this moment.
"Each and every moment [of 20 year career] has had a lot of emotions, a lot of effort put in. But the 2017 World Cup where our team came back and fought [is the highlight]. Nobody gave us a chance initially that we would be playing in a final, but the way we played that tournament was something different I think, and from there women's cricket in India slowly and gradually picked up.
“And at this moment, we have our own path to motivate generations and young girls to take up sport and that they have an option with cricket. I have to [keep emotions in check], I can't come with all those emotions onto the cricket field, As a ruthless character, I have to come out and play hard cricket and give my best,” she added.
Having already sealed the series, their first in England in 23 years, India would be aiming for a 3-0 series result and give a perfect send-off to Jhulan, who played international cricket for two decades.
Here's is the video:
