After posting 285 in their first innings, India bundled out England for just 170 to protect their lead of 115 before extending their lead to 269 runs at stumps on Day 2. Smriti Mandhana remained unbeaten on 69, while Yastika Bhatia provided solid support with an unbeaten 39/1 as India reached 15 innings.
India is expected to push the announcement
The key for India on Day 3 will be to build an unassailable lead before declaring. With Mandhana well settled and Yastika looking comfortable in the position, the visitors have a good platform to speed up the morning session.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh and the lower middle order are still batting, giving India a chance to extend their lead past the 400-run mark. A goal of more than 450 can leave England with little chance to chase and change their mind to survive.
Due to the slippage, India will be expected to bounce back quickly and ensure they have enough time to chase down England twice before the end of the Test.
Mandhana sees another knockdown
Smriti Mandhana also led the way and scored an unbeaten century after scoring 83 in the first innings. The left-hander looks to be in full swing throughout the game and will be eyeing a century on day three.
His partnership with Yastika Bhatia has already frustrated England’s bowlers, and another suspension could spell trouble for the rest of the tournament.
Kranti Gaud is emerging as the new trend of India
If India’s batting laid the platform, opener Kranti Gaud gave his form with the ball.
The young seamer produced a stunning display to take 5/37, demolish England’s batting line-up and ensure India’s Test win. His disciplined lines, off the top and the new ball have made him India’s biggest weapon going into England again.
When India sets a big target, Gaud will also be tasked with the promotion.
England looking for inspiration
England face an uphill battle after reaching 170 in their first match. Apart from Amy Jones’s 500-centuries, the warriors failed to form a good alliance against the constant attacks of the Indians.
The bowlers also struggled to settle in after dismissing Shafali Verma early in India’s second innings. Sophie Ecclestone, who took three wickets in the first innings, will once again take over as England’s leading bowler with an unlikely fall attempt.
The hosts know that allowing India’s lead to go beyond 400 can end their hopes of avoiding defeat.
Although Lord’s have started to become batting favorites, the signs are starting to show. As the match moves into the fourth innings, India’s experienced spin duo Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana could be the pick.
With the top expected to provide a different curve and a different change in the future of the game, the Indian bowlers will back themselves to good use and achieve a memorable victory away from home in Tests.
Day 3 promises an informative session
The opening session on Day 3 could determine how the game unfolds. If India bats well and declares with a formidable lead, England will face a huge challenge of survival against the threat of Indian bowling on Lord’s surface.
