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India fast bowler Kranti Gaud said earning a place on the iconic Lord’s honours board had been her personal target from the very start of the one-off Women’s Test, after her match-winning performance guided India to a historic 270-run victory over England.Gaud was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 5/37 in England’s first innings to hand India a decisive 115-run lead. She followed it up with figures of 2/54 in the second innings as England were bowled out for 186 while chasing an imposing target of 457. Her seven-wicket haul earned her the Player of the Match award.Reflecting on the achievement, Gaud admitted the milestone had seemed unimaginable while growing up but became a clear objective once the Test got underway.“Growing up, I never imagined something like this would happen. But from the day this Test match began, I told myself that I wanted to get my name on the honours board,” she said during the post-match presentation.The young pacer credited her success to sticking to the basics and trusting the plans laid out by the coaching staff.“My approach is very simple. I just focus on my line and length. Whatever the coaches have told me, I try to follow that by hitting the same line and length consistently. That’s what I was thinking about with every ball.”Her five-wicket haul ensured she became one of the few cricketers to have their name inscribed on the famous Lord’s honours board, a moment she said belonged as much to her family and mentors as it did to her.“I feel extremely proud, and so does my family. I want to thank everyone – my coaches, my seniors, and everyone who has supported me throughout this journey.”Gaud also revealed that the Player of the Match award and the match stump would take pride of place in a special collection she has built at home.“I have made a small and special museum at home, and this award will go there. I’m going to keep the stump there forever at the centre.”India wrapped up the famous victory on the fourth morning as Sneh Rana and Deepti Sharma cleaned up England’s lower order after the hosts resumed at 130/6. The comprehensive win not only marked India’s first women’s Test victory at Lord’s but also extended the team’s unbeaten record in Test cricket on English soil.
