Opener Smriti Mandhana on Sunday did not deny that luck played a role when she created history by becoming the first Indian woman to score a century in a pink-ball Test. That the feat was achieved on the Australian soil makes it more special for her.

Mandhana, who scored 127 off 216 balls in India’s first innings score of 377/8 declared, got a reprieve when she was on a personal score of 80. She sliced a full Ellyse Perry delivery straight to Beth Mooney at point. But with Aussie bowler overstepping, Mandhana survived and that definitely helped her to record the hundred.

“Lucky with that no-ball on 80. That sort of cleared my mind… that I’ve got a chance and I have to make it count,” Mandhana said after the day-night match ended in a draw on Sunday.

Mandhana said she would keep this innings in the top three of her career so far. “It’s definitely in the top three. The first time playing a day-night Test… really happy that I gave good pace (start) to the team. Was the most nervous night I have ever had — after the first day,” she said.

Mandhana said it was a privilege for her to represent India in Test cricket. “To wear whites and go into the field is the top-most thing.”

Captain happy

Captain Mithali Raj termed this as one of the best Test match performances by India, comparable to their away win against England in 2014.

“Against the best sides, definitely yes (it was one of the best). (Against) Australia this is the best game we’ve played. But in 2014, with eight debutants, winning a Test in England against England, who had just won the Ashes… That also comes very close. That was pretty great,” Mithali said.