London | July 11, 2026
India produced a remarkable all-round display on Day 2 of the historic one-off Women’s Test against England at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, placing themselves firmly in control of the contest. After posting a competitive first-innings total of 285, the Indian bowling attack dismantled England for 170, earning a valuable 115-run first-innings lead and putting the hosts under immense pressure.
The biggest talking point of the day was the sensational performance of young fast bowler Kranti Gaud, who registered career-best figures of 5 wickets for 37 runs. Her outstanding spell not only broke England’s batting resistance but also created history, as she became the first Indian woman to have her name inscribed on the prestigious Lord’s Honours Board for a five-wicket haul. Achieving such a milestone at the “Home of Cricket” is considered one of the greatest individual honours in the sport.
England’s innings never truly gathered momentum despite determined efforts from Amy Jones, who scored a fighting half-century, and captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, who tried to stabilize the innings. India’s bowlers maintained disciplined line and length throughout the day, refusing to allow England any significant partnerships. Kranti Gaud’s relentless pace, combined with valuable contributions from Sneh Rana, Sayali Satghare, and the rest of the bowling unit, ensured that England were bowled out well below India’s first-innings total.
Earlier in the match, India’s batting unit laid the foundation for their dominance. Smriti Mandhana once again showcased her class with an elegant 83, while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur played a composed knock of 58. Deepti Sharma added another crucial 57, helping India recover from early setbacks and post a challenging score of 285 on a pitch that offered assistance to both batters and bowlers.
With a substantial first-innings lead in hand, India began their second innings confidently, looking to extend their advantage even further. The visitors displayed positive intent at the crease, forcing England onto the defensive and strengthening their grip on the match. Every run added in the second innings increased the pressure on the hosts, who now face an uphill battle to stay alive in the Test.
This match carries historic significance beyond the scoreline. It marks the first-ever Women’s Test to be played at Lord’s, making every milestone even more special. India’s dominant performance on such a grand stage reflects the tremendous growth of women’s cricket in recent years. The team has displayed maturity, resilience, and depth across both batting and bowling departments, proving they can compete and dominate in the longest format of the game.
Kranti Gaud’s unforgettable spell will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the defining moments of Indian women’s cricket. Her record-breaking achievement, coupled with India’s commanding position in the match, has made Day 2 a memorable chapter in the country’s cricketing history.
As the Test heads into the next phase, India remain overwhelming favourites to secure a famous victory at Lord’s. A win at one of cricket’s most iconic venues would not only mark a historic achievement for the team but also serve as another landmark moment in the continued rise of Indian women’s cricket on the global stage.
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