London: India tightened their grip on the one-off women’s Test against England with a dominant all-round performance on Day 2, powered by a maiden five-wicket haul from Kranti Gaud and a composed unbeaten half-century by Smriti Mandhana.

At stumps, India were placed at 154 for 1 in their second innings, extending their overall lead to 269 runs, leaving England with a daunting task heading into Day 3.

Mandhana anchors India’s second innings

Resuming with a healthy first-innings lead of 115 runs, India built steadily in their second essay with Mandhana once again leading from the front. The left-hander remained unbeaten on 69 off 124 balls, displaying a blend of patience and elegance.

Mandhana stitched together a crucial 88-run opening partnership with Shafali Verma, who contributed a brisk 33. While Shafali adopted an aggressive approach, Mandhana played the anchor’s role, focusing on building the innings through controlled stroke play.

Her innings was marked by exquisite cover drives and calculated aggression, including a confident six off England spinner Sophie Ecclestone. After Shafali’s dismissal — caught by substitute Emma Lamb while attempting a lofted shot — Mandhana found able support in Yastika Bhatia.

The duo added an unbeaten 66-run stand for the second wicket, ensuring there were no further setbacks before stumps. Yastika remained not out on 39, complementing Mandhana’s steady approach.

Gaud’s fiery spell dismantles England

Earlier in the day, Kranti Gaud emerged as the standout performer with the ball, registering her maiden five-wicket haul in red-ball cricket. She finished with impressive figures of 5 for 37, playing a pivotal role in bundling out England for 170.

Gaud set the tone early by dismissing Maia Bouchier, who edged a delivery behind to wicketkeeper Yastika Bhatia. One of the highlights of her spell was the dismissal of Alice Capsey, as she produced a delivery that breached the batter’s defence and rattled the off-stump.

India’s pace attack received good support from Sayali Satghare, who trapped England captain Heather Knight leg-before, and from spinner Sneh Rana, who chipped in with key wickets.

England’s resistance and collapse

England showed signs of resistance through a solid 84-run partnership between skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt (44) and Amy Jones (52). Jones, in particular, played fluently, reaching her half-century in just 59 balls with a series of well-timed drives and pulls.

Sciver-Brunt played a supporting role but occasionally shifted gears, including a boundary off Gaud and a six off Sneh Rana. At that stage, England appeared to be clawing their way back into the contest.

However, the turning point came when Jones attempted a casual flick off Rana, only to lob the ball to short leg, where Richa Ghosh completed the catch. That dismissal triggered a collapse, with England losing five wickets for just 33 runs in the second session.

Gaud returned to complete her five-wicket haul by dismissing Lauren Bell, sealing a memorable performance.

India firmly in driver’s seat

With a substantial lead and nine wickets in hand, India are firmly in control of the match. Mandhana’s consistency at the top and Gaud’s breakthrough spell have put the visitors in a commanding position.

England now face an uphill battle, needing early wickets on Day 3 to stay in contention. For India, the focus will be on extending their lead further and setting up a near-impossible target.

If current momentum continues, the visitors appear well on course to register a significant Test victory on English soil.