Published: July 9, 2026 at 3:33 pm
After a disappointing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, India have turned their attention to a new challenge. A historic first-ever Women’s Test match at Lord’s against England.
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“What is gone, we cannot change it. We have discussed about it within the squad,” head coach Amol Muzumdar said ahead of the Test match scheduled on July 10. “All we need to do is look forward and prepare the best we can for the event ahead. So, I guess that’s been the talk,” he added.
“I’m sure all the players are looking forward to the Test match. Just leave aside the disappointment and get into the present,” the former Mumbai batter said.
The upcoming fixture will be a monumental occasion, marking the first time a Women’s Test match is played at the iconic venue. “I think the first one will always be special,” Muzumdar said. “The first-ever World Cup win was special.
“The first-ever Test match at Lord’s will be special. Just looking forward to the next four to five years, what women’s cricket will bring. You never know,” Muzumdar said.
“Just have to explore those dynamics (of playing women’s Tests). And the more we do it, the more people turn up, the more popular the women’s game becomes, the better it is for everyone. So, I guess this Lord’s Test Match is a special one,” the Indian added.
India are coming on the back of a T20 World Cup where they finished below Australia and South Africa in the group stages.
With a quick turnaround from what has been a pulsating T20I season, the Indian head coach is optimistic that the team can reset their rhythm to meet the needs of the longest format.
India is playing a lot of Tests this year: Amol
“There’s another Test match this year against South Africa, so we are playing more Test matches within the year than in the last few years,” he said.
“So, I guess it is just about adjustment, just a click in your mind. If you’re a professional cricketer, I personally feel that it just should be a click in your mind about playing red-ball cricket and white-ball cricket. There’s not much of a difference,” the coach said.
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“Red-ball cricket is always exciting, and it brings different challenges. You’ve got to bowl 100 overs (in a day), and it’s a four-day game.
“I guess different challenges, different excitement, different abilities come to the fore. So, I guess Test cricket will always be Test cricket. Personally, calling me an old timer, red-ball cricket brings a lot of excitement,” Muzumdar said.
“In this squad at least, what I’ve seen in the dressing room, they’re all looking forward to the Test match, and they’re geared up for it,” he stated.
India and England will play in the one-off Test starting July 10 at Lord’s.
Pratika Rawat ruled out of Test
Meanwhile, India have suffered a setback ahead of their one-off Test against England at Lord’s, with Pratika Rawal ruled out due to a knee injury.
Pratika Rawat is out of the one-off Test against England. Pics: ICC
Head coach Amol Muzumdar confirmed during the press conference that Rawal had suffered a cut on her knee which required stitches, while also announcing the addition of Priya Punia to the squad as cover.
Punia, who is available for selection immediately, impressed during the recent A series with two half-centuries and is yet to make her Test debut.
Rawal’s injury is another setback in what has otherwise been a promising start to her international career. The batter played an important role during India’s maiden ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup triumph on home soil last year but missed the knockout stages after suffering an ankle injury during the final league match against Bangladesh.
