​India will seek to steady their course after a disappointing run at the T20 World Cup as they prepare to face hosts England in a landmark fixture: the first-ever women’s Test to be played at Lord’s, beginning Friday. Although their early exit from the T20 event was not ideal, it has given India valuable time to gear up for this red-ball challenge at what is widely regarded as cricket’s spiritual home, more than a century after the ground hosted its inaugural men’s Test.
Ahead of the clash, the Indian squad trained at the picturesque Wormsley Cricket Ground, preparing for what will be their second Test of the year after an earlier red-ball appearance in Australia in March. Head coach Amol Muzumdar acknowledged that the excitement surrounding the sport’s history-making Test at Lord’s had been building among the players even before the T20 World Cup commenced.
“It just boggles my mind that this is the first Test here at Lord’s. That said, I am truly fortunate and would like to extend my best wishes to everyone involved. It’s a fantastic occasion, and we’re looking forward to it,” Muzumdar said.
“It’s a dream for any Indian cricketer to play a Test match, and to do so at Lord’s makes it even more special. I’m confident that every player who dons the whites tomorrow will be proud to be there at Lord’s.”
The Sporting News has all you need to know about the England vs. India 1st Test, including date, time, and viewing details. To enhance your experience, consider adding The Sporting News as a preferred news source.
How to watch England vs India Women’s Test in India:
– TV channel: Sony Sports Network
– Live stream: SonyLIV
The match will be staged at Lord’s, London, starting at 11:00 a.m. local time (BST), which corresponds to 3:30 p.m. IST on Friday, July 10.
India’s probable lineup features Harmanpreet Kaur (captain) and Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), with a batting group including Shafali Varma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Sree Charani, Yastika Bhatia (wicketkeeper), Nandni Sharma, Harleen Deol, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Sneh Rana, and Priya Punia.
England, led by Nat Sciver-Brunt, are considered the favorites to win this match at 1.71 on Dafabet, while India are pegged at 2.06. The odds cited reflect the status at the time of publication and may shift over time.
The England Women’s squad features Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Grace Potts, Ellie Threlkeld, Mady Villiers, and Issy Wong, with Nat Sciver-Brunt captaining the side. The contest at Lord’s marks a historic moment for women’s cricket and a significant milestone in India’s ongoing effort to establish themselves in the longest format of the game.
With both teams keen to make a strong impression on the game’s biggest stage, and with England aiming to capitalize on home conditions, the match promises to be a fascinating battle of skill, strategy, and enduring spirit.