Mandhana, Kaur, and Sharma Fifties Propel India to 285 on Historic Lord's Test Day 1

The historic one-off Test between England Women and India Women at Lord's saw India post a competitive 285 all out on Day 1 after being put in to bat. Smriti Mandhana led the charge with a fluent 83 runs off 108 balls, including 11 fours and a six, narrowly missing a century at the 'Home of Cricket' when she edged Issy Wong to wicket-keeper Amy Jones. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur also contributed a well-made 58 runs from 121 deliveries, and Deepti Sharma added a crucial 57 runs down the order. The Indian innings saw an 89-run fourth-wicket partnership between Mandhana and Kaur, followed by Sharma holding the middle order together.

England's bowlers worked hard, with left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone claiming 3 wickets for 68 runs, a performance that saw her become England's all-time leading wicket-taker across all formats. Issy Wong picked up 2 wickets for 41 runs, and debutant Mady Villiers also chipped in with 2 wickets for 55 runs. In response, England faced 11 overs before stumps, reaching 21 for 1. Opener Tammy Beaumont was dismissed for 2 runs by Kranti Gaud, leaving Maia Bouchier (17*) and Heather Knight (1*) at the crease.