In a landmark moment for women’s cricket, India Women stamped their authority on the opening day of the first-ever Women’s Test match at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, reaching 285 runs at the innings break.
Batting first under the watchful eyes of a packed crowd at the Home of Cricket, the visitors showcased depth and resilience, led by explosive contributions from their star batters.
Opener Smriti Mandhana set the tone with a fluent 83 off 108 balls, blending elegance and aggression in classic fashion. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur anchored the innings with a gritty 58 off 121 deliveries, while all-rounder Deepti Sharma added another vital half-century, ensuring India maintained momentum through the middle order.
The trio’s efforts propelled India to a formidable total in just 74.5 overs, leaving England Women with plenty to ponder as they prepare to take the field after the break. Sophie Ecclestone emerged as the most successful bowler for the hosts, claiming 3 wickets for 68 runs with her trademark left-arm spin, but she lacked consistent support as India’s batters rotated strike effectively.
This fixture marks a historic milestone: the first Women’s Test ever played at Lord’s, 142 years after the men’s game debuted on the hallowed turf. With India boasting an unbeaten record against England in Tests since 1995, expectations are high for a competitive encounter in this four-day contest.
As the match progresses over the next three days, all eyes will be on whether England can mount a strong reply or if India’s bowling attack – featuring the likes of Sneh Rana and Renuka Singh – can exploit any early weaknesses.
The clash not only spotlights the growing stature of women’s Test cricket but also underscores the rising popularity of the women’s game in England and India. Stay tuned for live updates as this historic battle unfolds at Lord’s.
