India Women Dominate Early Day of Historic Lord’s Test

India Post a Respectable Total

India assembled a solid foundation at the start of the inaugural women’s Test at Lord’s, posting 285 runs. Smriti Mandhana top‑scored with 83, while Harmanpreet Kaur added a steady 58 and all‑rounder Deepti Sharma contributed 57. The innings featured 11 fours and one six from Mandhana, plus seven fours each for Kaur and Sharma.

After choosing to bat, the hosts looked to be building a larger total, reaching 190 for three. However, a sudden collapse saw seven wickets fall for just 95 runs, bringing the innings to a close in 74.5 overs.

Early Breakthrough for England

Kranti Gaud sparked England’s response with an early wicket, trapping opener Tammy Beaumont—playing her final Test—lbw after a sharp inswinger. Gaud almost removed Heather Knight soon after, but a review decision prevented an upper‑hand for India. At stumps England were 21 for one, with Maia Bouchier unbeaten on 17 and Knight on a solitary run.

England’s bowlers made progress in the opening session. Lauren Bell and Lauren Filereach struck within the first seven overs, dismissed Shafali Verma for a duck and Yastika Bhatia for 12 runs, respectively. The breakthrough set the tone for a tight early phase.

Middle‑Order Resilience and Setbacks

Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues forged a brisk 64‑run partnership to stead the innings after the early blows. The left‑handed star’s fluent drives and a six over left‑arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone highlighted her dominance. Rodrigues fell neatly after edging Issy Wong behind while chasing a wide delivery.

Harmanpreet, under pressure following India’s group‑stage exit at the Women’s T20 World Cup, responded with a patient half‑century, hampered by cramps. Her innings ended when debutant off‑spinner Mady Villiers claimed her maiden Test wicket with a delivery that drifted and turned through the gate.

Evening Charges and Final Stand

Richa Ghosh failed to impose herself, but Deepti Sharma’s composed knock combined with Sneh Rana for a 46‑run stand kept India afloat. The innings concluded with another rapid collapse, handing England a modest chance heading into the second day.

Key Bowling Figures

Sophie Ecclestone returned figures of 3‑68, including the final three wickets as England wrapped up the chase in just 11 runs across 42 balls. Kranti Gaud’s early removal of Beaumont marked a pivotal moment for the hosts.

Looking Ahead

With a 264‑run lead, India will aim to extend their advantage on day two, while England must address their batting vulnerabilities. The historic Test continues to unfold at Lord’s, promising more nail‑biting action as the two sides battle for supremacy.