It feels amazing, standing here receiving this award – Sneh Rana on her Player of the Match award

Sneh Rana was instrumental in helping India register their maiden Test win against Australia as she claimed three wickets in the first innings, featuring the likes of Tahlia McGrath, Alana King and Lauren Cheatle while following it up with a crucial four-fer in the second innings that saw her clinching Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland and Alana King again.

Australia looked in solid touch with the partnership for the third wicket brewing menacingly between Perry and McGrath. However, it was Rana who had other plans for Pez as she produced an all-important nick of the latter’s bat that was pouched by Yastika Bhatia behind the timber.

Awarded the Player of the Match for her defining display with the ball in her hands, Rana opened up at the post-match presentation, underlining the conditions and what exactly was going through the minds of the Indian players as it was a race against time on the final day for the hosts.

Sneh said, “It feels amazing, standing here receiving this award, fantastic win by our team. No one called me night-watchman because I can bat. First time batting with Smriti and we were enjoying each others' company. Catch drops are part of the match. Everyone wants to contribute. Even I can drop catches, so I don't feel bad. I try to come back harder.” 

She concluded by saying, “Test matches are taking place in India after a long time, Test match gives a different vibe. The team environment in the last 15 days and the support that we have been receiving, it's really amazing. Two home Tests and we have won both. I think it will attract a lot of youngsters.”