India created history at Lord’s with a dominant 270-run victory over England in the first-ever women’s Test played at the iconic venue, completing the win in just over 90 minutes on the final morning.
The defeat marked another painful setback for England, coming only eight days after their seven-wicket loss to Australia in the Women’s T20 World Cup final. The hosts, chasing a record 457, were bowled out for 186 in their second innings.
England head coach Charlotte Edwards admitted her disappointment but praised India’s performance. “I’m really disappointed. In a historical game, playing nowhere near our best. Credit to India, they played incredibly well,” Edwards said.
“There’s no excuses from our end. It’s the same quick switch after the World Cup from both ends, albeit India probably had a bit more time. Our goal for the summer was the World Cup, a lot of detail had been put into that. It’s disappointing but reflecting as a whole, hugely proud of what the team achieved.”
The defeat also marked the end of international careers for England greats Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont, with Edwards paying tribute to their contributions.
“What unbelievable careers they have both had. There’s been tears over the past couple of days. Their contributions have been huge. It’s an opportunity for younger players to stake a claim for their spots.”
India’s young pacer Kranti Gaud was named Player of the Match after dismantling England’s top order in the first innings, finishing with match figures of 7-91, including a sensational five-wicket haul in England’s first innings.
Gaud said she had dreamed of leaving her mark at Lord’s. “I never thought about it but the day the match started, I wanted to get my name written on the honour board,” she added.
“My simple plan was to hit my lines and lengths, focus on what the coaches were telling me, and that is what I tried doing. I feel very proud, as does my family.”
The young bowler added that the souvenir stump she collected would go into a museum room at her home.
“I have a small museum room at my home, and this will go there.”
India laid the foundation for victory after posting 285 in the first innings, led by Smriti Mandhana’s 83, Harmanpreet Kaur’s 58 and Deepti Sharma’s 57.
England struggled in reply, managing only 170, despite Amy Jones’ fighting 52 and Nat Sciver-Brunt’s 44. Gaud’s five-wicket haul and disciplined bowling from Sayali Satghare and Sneh Rana gave India a commanding advantage.
India then declared at 341-7 in their second innings, powered by Yastika Bhatia’s brilliant 113, Mandhana’s second-half century contribution with 70, and Richa Ghosh’s unbeaten 50.
Chasing 457, England lost wickets regularly. Amy Jones again showed resistance with 54, while Sophie Ecclestone produced a memorable maiden international fifty, scoring 50 before being bowled by Rana.
Rana finished with 4-42 in the second innings, while Deepti Sharma claimed the final wicket as India completed a historic triumph in front of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.
Despite the defeat, Edwards reiterated her support for the longest format of the women’s game, calling for a more structured approach.
“I think there’s a place for it but maybe it has to be part of a multi-series or a bilateral series.”
“We’ve enjoyed Test cricket but you have to have it constantly, you can’t have it every 18 months. I’m a huge advocate for it. There’s so much you can learn from it.”
Edwards said regular Test cricket would help develop players across all levels.
“I think we need to see it in tier-one cricket, getting that exposure for younger players, older players, it’s so important.”
India’s historic victory at Lord’s not only secured a memorable win but also highlighted the growing depth and competitiveness of women’s cricket on the world stage.
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