On July 10, 2026, the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London hosted the sole Women’s Test between India and England. After winning the toss, England elected to field, and their decision seemed justified when India slipped to 37/2, losing Shafali Verma and Yastika Bhatia inside the first seven overs.

Mandhana’s Aggressive Knock

Opening batter Smriti Mandhana responded with a blistering unbeaten 56 off 67 balls. She punished pace bowler Lauren Filer with two consecutive fours before dispatching spinner Sophie Ecclestone for a six, executing a lofted sweep over mid‑wicket. Her strike rate pushed India’s run‑rate beyond six runs per over, unsettling the English attack.

Rodrigues’ Partnership and Risk

Joining Mandhana, Jemima Rodrigues contributed 35 runs from 38 balls, forming a 64‑run stand for the third wicket. She sent Ecclestone to the ropes twice, maintaining the high scoring tempo. However, Rodrigues’ attempt to pull a wide delivery from fast bowler Issy Wong back‑fired, as the ball clipped her bat’s edge and dislodged the bails, resulting in her dismissal.

Kaur’s Support and Session Close

Mandhana, together with Harmanpreet Kaur (14*), ensured India closed the first session at 122/3 without further loss. The partnership kept the run‑rate above five runs per over, giving India a modest yet psychologically important lead heading into lunch.

Historical Context and Future Outlook

The India‑England women’s Test rivalry is still in its infancy, but both sides have emerged as formidable forces in the limited‑overs arena. This performance showcases India’s depth in batting and the resilience of its top order, signaling a promising trajectory for future multi‑day contests. England will need to recalibrate their bowling strategies for the next session, while India must preserve its momentum and manage the middle overs wisely.