Smriti Mandhana played a key role with the bat.
Kranti Gaud wrote her name into cricket history by becoming the first woman to feature on the Lord’s Test honours board during India’s strong performance against England.
The 22-year-old seamer delivered an outstanding spell of red-ball bowling, claiming five wickets for 37 runs as England were bowled out for 170 in the one-off Test.
Gaud’s precision, swing and capacity to gain assistance from the pitch proved challenging for England’s batters. Her accurate line and seam movement left the hosts at 47 for four.
It marked a significant achievement for Gaud, who was playing only her second Test after debuting against Australia at the Waca in March 2026.
After dismissing England, India reached 154 for one at stumps, establishing a lead of 269.
Smriti Mandhana contributed significantly with the bat, scoring her second half-century of the match and remaining unbeaten on 69.
India’s strong batting also included input from Shafali Verma and Yastika Bhatia, who maintained pressure on England’s tiring bowlers.
Verma hit Sophie Ecclestone’s opening over for 13 runs, while Mandhana countered short-ball tactics by pulling Lauren Filer repeatedly to the boundary.
Bhatia stayed unbeaten on 39 after advancing to strike Mady Villiers for four and profiting from a missed stumping by Amy Jones.
Despite the challenging situation, Jones expressed confidence that her team could recover.
She said: “Today was tough but still good fun. I am excited for the next two days. You never know what could happen. It is a good batting wicket so it could be an exciting chase. We absolutely believe that we can win.”
England spinner Sophie Ecclestone acknowledged the hosts had faced a difficult day.
Kranti Gaud’s historic spell formed part of a broader bowling effort that removed England’s top order.
She dismissed Maia Bouchier, who edged behind, then produced a fine delivery to remove debutant Alice Capsey, who played down the wrong line.
India earlier missed a chance to dismiss Heather Knight by not reviewing an lbw appeal. Knight survived initially but was later removed by Sayali Satghare, who trapped her lbw.
England’s innings was steadied briefly by Jones, who reached a half-century from 59 balls. She fell shortly before lunch, caught by Richa Ghosh.
Debutant Villiers showed composure and made 10 from 33 balls before Sneh Rana dismissed her.
England avoided the follow-on, yet India remain firmly in control. With significant turn available, England face a difficult task to avoid defeat.
