India’s emphatic 270-run victory over England in the first women’s Test at Lord’s was more than any other notable overseas victory. It also cemented one of the most impressive records in Women’s Cricket. India have now gone 40 years without losing a Test in England. The win also maintained India’s unbeaten record in women’s Tests on English soil. Across the 10 Tests played in England since their first tour in 1986, India have won three and drawn seven, with Monday’s win at Lord’s the most recent title in four decades. In total, India and England have met 16 times in women’s Tests. India now lead the lead with four wins to England’s only win, with 11 matches ending in draws. England’s only win came by less than two wickets in Jamshedpur in 1995, while India won the last two Tests completed between the sides. The recent success was built on total control. After posting 285 in the first innings, India bundled out England for 170 to take a huge lead. Yastika Bhatia then etched her name into the history books by becoming the first woman to score a Test century at Lord’s, her masterful 113 helping India declare at 341 for seven and setting England a huge score of 457. Smriti Mandhana contributed 70 after making 83 in the first innings, while Richa Ghosh’s unbeaten 100 inspired the declaration. England did not threaten to chase them down as the Indian bowlers took advantage of the danger. Kranti Gaud, who took five wickets in the first innings, added two more in the second to finish with seven wickets in the match, while Sneh Rana and Sayali Satghare ensured that the pressure did not back down. The win followed India’s 347-second victory over England in Navi Mumbai in 2023 and reaffirmed the visitors’ stature in the longest series. In a stadium full of cricket history, India added another milestone, extending England’s unbeaten streak which now crosses half a century.
