Published: July 13, 2026 at 8:13 pm
In what was the first-ever Women’s Test at Lord’s, India sealed a mammoth win over England by 270 runs.
The victory marked India’s second-highest win by margin of runs in Women’s Tests, the fourth biggest overall. The record for the highest margin of win in the format dates back to 2023 when India had trumped England by 347 runs in Navi Mumbai.
India score a massive win against in the first ever women’s Test at the Lord’s. Pics: ICC/X
Having been put into bat first by hosts England, India mounted 285 runs in the first innings, courtesy of half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur.
In response, England were bowled out for 170 as Kranti Gaud led the charge with the ball, becoming the first to snap a five-wicket haul during a Women’s Test at Lord’s.
“I never thought about it but the day the match started, I wanted to get my name written on the honour’s board. (Bowling processes) My simple plan was to hit my lines and lengths, and to focus on what the coaches were telling me, and that is what I tried doing. I feel very proud, as does my family. I wanted to thank everyone (my coaches and teammates) who has supported me. (On the souvenir stump and where it will go in her home) I have a small museum room at my home, and this will go there (smiles),” said Kranti Gaud, who was declared Player of the Match.
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Yastika Bhatia then helped strengthen India’s case, notching the first triple digit score at the venue during the momentous Women’s Test. Other vital contributions included a second half-century from Smriti Mandhana and another from Richa Ghosh.
India wrap up the Test comprehensively
The visitors wrapped up the Test following another comprehensive display with the ball in the fourth innings.
“(On if she could have scripted this win better in her head) I don’t think so. God is a better writer and he has written it pretty well. Our openers have been our strength – the way they batted in the first half, it was special to watch,” said India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur.
“It is the effort. The support staff, they have played a lot of Test cricket and they know how it moves, and they are giving us feedback each and every moment. Really want to thank Amol sir and everyone else for the way we played (in this match and the previous one). The last couple of series have not been in our favour. I want to give credit to the support staff. This summer did not go the way it wanted, but we came back strongly in the Test match,” she said.
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“(On Yastika Bhatia) That is why we put her in the eleven. Really happy with the way she (Bhatia) batted. The way our entire team fielded, it was special to watch. As a team, we have been working very hard (on fielding). Really happy the way our entire team fielded. Everyone came together and did the job for the team. Playing at Lord’s is always special. Really want to thank people who thought about bringing the match here and hopefully we will get more here. Hopefully we will get ten more Test matches and we can keep performing,” the Indian skipper added.
End of the road for Beaumont and Knight
While it was a heavy defeat for the hosts, the Test marked final international appearances for England’s Tammy Beaumont and Heather Knight.
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Key members of the England squad that won the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup at this very venue in 2017, the duo have called it quits from all formats of the game.
“On the first morning, we did not adapt to the conditions as well as we could have. Struggled to find our length but once we did that, we were in the game. With the bat, we did not have enough partnerships. So, fighting to get back into the game from there. Throughout the match, at different stages, we showed character (Bell, Wong and Ecclestone with their spells with the ball). Great experience as a first Test match at Lord’s but plenty to work on,” said England skipper Nat Scriver-Brunt.
“(Toss decision and if she would change it) No, I don’t think so. As a team, we were happy with that decision. We showed spells of getting on top of the game but could not make it last. (Lack of preparation) We would have liked a couple more days (post the T20 WC final). But that is the schedule we are in. Lots of cricket to be played and as cricketers, we have to be ready. That is what we have signed up for – we want to be part of everything and I don’t see an issue with that really,” she added.
“(Experience as captain) Have really enjoyed it. Loved walking through the long room and feeling the excitement. Heather and Tammy’s last game too. Lot going on, and a lot of emotions riding around. Loved it. (On Knight and Beaumont) They have been a huge part of my whole career. Going to be a bit weird without them around. Heather, having taken over captaincy from here…hugely privileged position to be taking on that mantle and taking it further. Such a huge part of our team and they have so much to be proud of. Proud to be a part of their experience and of the people they are. Using the experience as best as we can and then learn from it (going into that Test match with Australia next summer). Every moment (in Test cricket with the group) is something to hold on to and be proud of,” the England skipper said.
