📅July 11, 2026 | By Pulse India News Desk
Smriti Mandhana’s 83 gave India the perfect start, England fought back through spin and a smart tactical switch, and Kranti Gaud struck late as Day 1 ended with the match finely poised.
| Match | England Women vs India Women, One-off Test |
| Venue | Lord’s, London |
| India 1st Innings | 285 all out |
| England At Stumps | 21/1 |
| England Trail By | 264 runs |
| Top Performers | Smriti Mandhana 83, Harmanpreet Kaur 58, Deepti Sharma 57 |
Mandhana Shines, England Hit Back And India Finish Day 1 On A High
The first women’s Test at Lord’s began with ceremony and history, but the cricket quickly produced its own drama. India raced away through Smriti Mandhana, England clawed the game back in the afternoon and the visitors then struck late with the new ball.
India were bowled out for 285 before England closed on 21/1, still 264 runs behind. With the pitch already offering some turn and occasional low bounce, the Test remains beautifully balanced.
Mandhana Lights Up Lord’s
India lost Shafali Verma early, but Mandhana immediately punished England’s inconsistent new-ball lengths. She drove elegantly, attacked anything short and used her feet confidently against spin.
Her fifty came from 50 balls and India reached 100 at the start of the 19th over. Jemimah Rodrigues added 35, while Harmanpreet Kaur played the supporting role in an 89-run partnership that placed India in control.
Mandhana eventually fell for 83, edging Issy Wong behind and missing a place on the Lord’s Honours Board.
England’s Tactical Change Slows India Down
England improved sharply after Lunch. Amy Jones moved up to the stumps for Wong, restricting the batters’ movement and making it harder for Mandhana and Harmanpreet to use the crease.
The change worked. Wong conceded only 12 runs from 36 balls with Jones standing up and eventually removed Mandhana. Mady Villiers then produced sharp turn to bowl Harmanpreet for 58.
Sophie Ecclestone and Villiers shared five wickets as the older ball began to grip, pulling England back into the contest.
Deepti Sharma Keeps India Competitive
Deepti Sharma rebuilt after Richa Ghosh fell, moving from 19 off 43 balls to a 70-ball fifty. Her sweep shot was effective and her 57 helped India reach 274/6.
However, India failed to finish strongly. The last four wickets added only 11 runs as the visitors collapsed from 274/6 to 285 all out.
Kranti Gaud Strikes Late
England had around 40 minutes to bat before stumps, and India’s seamers immediately made life difficult. Sayali Satghare found swing while Kranti Gaud used the Lord’s slope well from the Nursery End.
Gaud trapped Tammy Beaumont lbw for 2 with a delivery that nipped back sharply. She also created another chance against Heather Knight, but India chose not to review a not-out decision that replays suggested would have been overturned.
England did not hit their first boundary until the ninth over and closed on 21/1, with Maia Bouchier unbeaten on 17 and Knight on 1.
Why India’s Three-Spinner Selection Matters
India made the bold decision to play Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana and Shree Charani, leaving out Renuka Singh Thakur and relying on just two frontline seamers.
The move looked risky early in the day, but Villiers and Ecclestone showed that the older ball could turn. Some deliveries also stayed low during England’s reply.
If the pitch continues to deteriorate, India’s spin-heavy selection could become the biggest tactical factor in the Test.
Day 2 Outlook
The first hour on Day 2 could shape the match. India will want Gaud and Satghare to continue using the movement available before Harmanpreet turns to spin.
England’s priority is to build a long partnership and reduce the deficit without exposing the middle order too early. India, meanwhile, will look for two or three quick wickets and a chance to bring their spinners into the game.
If the surface continues to grip and stay low, India’s 285 may begin to look much more valuable.
Day 1 at Lord’s belonged to neither side completely.
Mandhana gave India a flying start, England fought back through Wong, Villiers and Ecclestone, and Deepti ensured the visitors reached 285 despite a late collapse.
Gaud’s late strike then left England 21/1 and ensured the historic Test remains finely poised heading into Day 2.
England Trail By: 264 runs
India Star: Smriti Mandhana 83
England Bowling Star: Sophie Ecclestone 3/68
Late India Impact: Kranti Gaud removed Tammy Beaumont
Day 2 Key Battle: England top order vs India’s seam movement and spin
England Women vs India Women ENGW vs INDW Lord’s Test Smriti Mandhana Harmanpreet Kaur Deepti Sharma Kranti Gaud Issy Wong Sophie Ecclestone Women’s Cricket Day 1 Review
