​On the opening day of the one-off women’s Test against England at Lord’s, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur created a distinctive milestone, becoming the first Indian cricketer, across both men’s and women’s teams, to register a half-century in all three formats at the iconic venue. The 37-year-old achieved this impressive feat with a poised 58 in India’s first innings on Friday, adding another shining chapter to her already decorated international career.
Harmanpreet’s latest hundred-plus feat came after she had previously posted fifty-plus scores in both ODIs and T20Is at Lord’s, cementing her status as a versatile and prolific performer at the Home of Cricket. Her influential innings helped shape India’s position early in the match, marking a turn of momentum after a shaky start. India were 37 for 2 inside the opening seven overs, following the dismissals of Shafali Verma and Yastika Bhatia, and the captain’s presence helped steady the ship.
Smriti Mandhana anchored the rescue operation, aligning with Jemimah Rodrigues to add 64 runs for the third wicket. Rodrigues reached 35 off 38 balls before losing his wicket to Issy Wong, but Harmanpreet then joined Mandhana for a pivotal 89-run partnership that elevated India to a commanding foothold in their innings. Throughout her vigil at the crease, Harmanpreet looked fluent, driving with precision through the covers and rotating the strike with ease as England searched for breakthroughs.
Mandhana appeared poised for a century, carrying her serene dominance until she edged Wong behind for 83, while Harmanpreet’s well-compiled 58 ended on the brink of the tea interval when debutant spinner Mady Villiers delivered a sharp off-break to dismiss the India captain. India went to tea at 202 for 5, yet could not capitalize on the platform, as England’s bowlers orchestrated a stern comeback.
England seized the initiative after the break, claiming the remaining seven Indian wickets for just 85 runs. Deepti Sharma offered stubborn resistance lower in the order with a crucial 57, and she shared a 45-run partnership with Sneh Rana, helping India post 285 in their first innings. In reply, England began cautiously and ended the day at 21 for 1, with Kranti Goud striking early to dismiss Tammy Beaumont for two. Maya Bouchier remained unbeaten on 17 alongside Heather Knight as the hosts finished the day trailing India by 264 runs.