Forty years ago, India’s women played their first Test in England at Wetherby and returned with a draw. That result helped build the foundation for later teams. India have since played eight more Tests in England. The four-day match starting on Friday is the first women’s Test at Lord’s. After exiting the T20 World Cup in the group stage, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side returns to the ground seeking to extend a 40-year unbeaten Test record in the country. India have never lost a women’s Test in England, with wins at Taunton in 2006 and Wormsley in 2014, plus seven draws including the 2021 match at Bristol. The captain said a victory could restore confidence after the World Cup exit and aid preparation for future events. Pratika Rawal is unavailable due to a knee injury. India may turn to Priya Punia or Harleen Deol for the number three position, while the main batting duties fall to Harmanpreet, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma. Harmanpreet and Mandhana are the only survivors from the 2014 winning side. Bowling options include Sayali Satghare and Sneh Rana, while Sree Charani could make her Test debut. The captain stressed the value of more domestic red-ball cricket. The match also marks the end of Tammy Beaumont’s 17-year international career.
