London: Smriti Mandhana’s fluent 83, complemented by half-centuries from captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma, powered India to a competitive 285 against England on Day 1 of the one-off women’s Test at Lord’s. In reply, England reached 21/1 at stumps, trailing by 264 runs in a historic match at the ‘Home of Cricket’.
Mandhana leads India’s strong batting effort
India’s innings was anchored by Mandhana, who produced a stylish knock of 83 off 102 balls, laced with elegant strokes all around the ground. The left-hander looked set to script history by becoming the first woman to score a Test century at Lord’s but fell agonisingly short, edging a delivery from Issy Wong to wicketkeeper Amy Jones.
Mandhana shared a crucial 89-run fourth-wicket partnership with Harmanpreet Kaur, steadying the innings after early setbacks. Kaur contributed a composed 58 off 99 balls, striking six boundaries and showcasing her experience in just her eighth Test appearance.
Deepti Sharma also played a vital role, registering a solid half-century to ensure India built a strong foundation. At one stage, India were well-placed at 190/3 and looked on course to cross the 300-run mark comfortably.
England fight back with late wickets
England bowlers, however, staged a strong comeback in the latter half of the day. The turning point came with Mandhana’s dismissal, after which India suffered a dramatic collapse, losing their last four wickets for just 11 runs.
Left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone was instrumental in dismantling the lower order, finishing with figures of 3/68. Her performance also saw her surpass the previous England record of 335 multi-format international wickets held by Katherine Sciver-Brunt.
Debutant Mady Villiers made an immediate impact by dismissing Harmanpreet Kaur with a sharply turning off-break just before tea. Issy Wong and Lauren Bell also chipped in with key breakthroughs, ensuring England curtailed India’s total below the 300-run mark.
England’s cautious start under lights
England’s reply began cautiously, but they suffered an early setback when opener Tammy Beaumont was trapped lbw for 2 by Kranti Gaud’s inswinging delivery. Beaumont, who is set to retire from international cricket after this match, could not make a significant impact in her farewell Test.
At stumps, England were 21/1, with the Indian bowlers maintaining discipline in the limited overs they had to bowl late in the day.
Historic occasion for women’s cricket
The match marks a significant milestone in the evolution of women’s cricket. After 142 years and over 150 men’s Tests at Lord’s, this fixture represents a landmark moment for the women’s game at the iconic venue.
The Test is being played 50 years after the first major women’s match at Lord’s — a one-day international between England and Australia in 1976. Adding to the occasion, members of that historic team were present to ring the bell signalling the start of play.
In a symbolic shift from the past, players walked through the Long Room to loud applause — a privilege that women cricketers were denied decades ago.
Mandhana also achieved a personal milestone, becoming one of the youngest players to feature in 300 international matches across formats at the age of 29 years and 357 days.
Conclusion
India will feel they left some runs on the table after a late collapse, but their total of 285 keeps them in a strong position. With England already one wicket down, Day 2 promises an intriguing contest as India’s bowlers look to press their advantage and the hosts aim to build a solid response.