​Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana produced a splendid fifty, scoring 83 off 108 balls with 11 fours and a six, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 58 from 121 balls including seven fours. Seasoned allrounder Deepti Sharma added a patient 57 off 87 balls with seven boundaries as India posted 285 in their first innings on a captivating opening day at Lord’s, the stage for the historic first-ever women’s Test at the famous venue. England, in reply, started strongly with pacer Kranti Gaud making an early breakthrough by trapping Tammy Beaumont, playing the last Test of her career, lbw for 2. The England innings began with promise as Gaud’s early strike left the home side at 21 for one, but India were unable to press home that advantage as a late collapse swung momentum England’s way.
India, after electing to bat, looked poised for a much bigger total when they stood at 190 for three, only to derail as seven wickets fell for 95 runs. In the latter stages of the day’s play, England took control, claiming the last four wickets for a mere 11 runs in 42 balls. Left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone wrapped up the innings with three wickets, including the final one, finishing India’s innings at 74.5 overs. The home side closed the day with Maia Bouchier unbeaten on 17 and Heather Knight on one, with India’s total at 285 all out.
The day’s drama began with England striking early. Openers Shafali Verma and Yastika Bhatia both fell for ducks as Lauren Bell and Lauren Filer hit the marks early in the powerplay. Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues then steadied the ship, rebuilding with a brisk 64-run partnership before Rodrigues was dismissed, dragged onto her stumps by Issy Wong. Mandhana subsequently joined Harmanpreet and the pair combined for an 89-run fourth-wicket stand that steadied India after the initial wobble. Mandhana looked in fluent touch, peppering the off-side with crisp drives and even launching Ecclestone for a six, before her fall at 83 ended a key partnership.
Harmanpreet, who has faced heightened scrutiny following India’s group-stage exit at the Women’s T20 World Cup, answered with a patient half-century, showing grit and nerve as she battled cramps. Her vigil at the crease helped India recover from Mandhana’s dismissal and pushed the scoring forward. Harmanpreet’s vigil was cut short when debutant off-spinner Mady Villiers produced a drifting, turning delivery that dislodged her for a maiden Test wicket. Villiers’ ball gave India something to reflect on, while Harmanpreet’s dismissal came amid the team’s attempt to rebuild after Mandhana’s exit.
Richa Ghosh contributed 13 but failed to significantly alter the course of the innings. Deepti Sharma then anchored the lower middle-order with a composed 57, adding 46 crucial runs with Sneh Rana to keep India afloat amid another late wobble. Their partnership helped India cross the 250-mark and set a platform for a competitive total, though the innings eventually ended in a wobbly collapse as the English bowlers tightened their grip.
In all, India’s 285 offered a strong platform for the first day at Lord’s, with Mandhana’s exuberant stroke-play, Harmanpreet’s stubborn resistance, and Sharma’s measured contribution shaping a competitive total. The day also featured England’s disciplined response in the late session, and a reminder that this historic Test match is likely to deliver more twists and memorable moments as the sides continue their battle for supremacy at this iconic ground. Brief Score: India 285 (Mandhana 83, Harmanpreet 58, Sharma 57) lead England 21-1 by 264 runs at stumps on day one.