India have handed England a massive 270-run defeat in the one-off women’s Test at Lord’s. It is a famous win. It also helps ease the sting of India’s failure to reach the World Cup semi-finals earlier this month.
England batted deep into the fourth morning. The delay let Sophie Ecclestone reach a personal milestone. She scored her first-ever half-century in an England shirt. She celebrated with visible delight, hugged by batting partner Lauren Filer.
Getting there wasn’t easy. Ecclestone had to challenge an lbw decision on 44. DRS came to her rescue. UltraEdge showed a faint bottom edge off Deepti Sharma’s bowling.
There were nervy moments too. Ecclestone tried hard to keep the strike. But No. 11 Filer had to survive 17 balls without scoring at the other end. She herself survived an lbw review from India when Ecclestone was on 49.
Ecclestone’s innings ended soon after her fifty. Sneh Rana bowled her, the last wicket to fall. It came just 20 minutes before lunch. England were bowled out for 186.
Earlier that morning, England lost their last recognised batter, Amy Jones. She was out in the third over, pulling a catch to Shafali Verma at midwicket. Issy Wong held firm for 33 balls before Deepti Sharma dismissed her. Lauren Bell fell to the same bowler in her next over.
UNBEATEN RUN IN ENGLAND
With this win, India extended their unbeaten run in Test cricket in England. They have now won three and drawn seven of their 10 Tests in the country. It was also India’s fourth victory in their last five Tests overall.
The foundations for this big win were laid over the first two days. India showed a strong mix of solid batting and sharp pace bowling.
England won the toss and chose to bowl first on a green-tinged pitch. India responded well, posting a commanding 285 in their first innings. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana was the star of the innings.
The elegant left-hander batted with great timing and composure. She struck 11 boundaries and a clean six on her way to 83 runs. Her innings anchored the top order.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur added 58, and the dependable Deepti Sharma chipped in with 57. Together, they built partnerships that frustrated the England bowlers.
KRANTI, YASTIKA SCRIPT HISTORY
Mandhana gave India the initial cushion. But it was young pace sensation Kranti Gaud who turned the match firmly in India’s favour. The 22-year-old from Madhya Pradesh bowled with natural swing and sharp control from the Nursery End. She tore through England’s first innings batting line-up.
Gaud bowled with remarkable discipline. She claimed a stunning five-wicket haul for just 37 runs in 17 overs, including seven maidens. Her tight line and length triggered a batting collapse. England were bowled out for just 170. India took a crucial 115-run lead in the first innings.
With that advantage, India’s batters took full control in the second innings. Mandhana continued her fine form with a fluent 70. Richa Ghosh played a quickfire knock of 50 off just 52 balls. But the innings truly belonged to wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia.
Bhatia made history at Lord’s. She became the first woman ever to score a Test century at the ground. She batted with excellent shot selection and great composure. Her innings of 113 came off 158 balls and included 14 boundaries. Her historic hundred put India firmly in command. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur declared at 341 for seven at tea on Day 3.
Curated news reports, in-depth analysis, and special features by India’s Opinion editorial team.
