India and England shared the honors in a thrilling opening day of the first women’s Test at Lord’s, with the visitors posting 285 before reducing England to 21/1 at stumps on Friday.After England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt won the toss and elected to bowl, India looked much better thanks to the impressive performances of Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma. However, a late collapse ensured that England regained control before the game was over.The batsmen negotiated 11 overs at the crease but lost opener Tammy Beaumont cheaply, leaving the match in good shape heading into Day Two.
Mandhana sets the tone
India endured a rough start after losing Shafali Verma and Yastika Bhatia early on, but Smriti Mandhana again showed her class with a fine innings of 83 off 108 balls. The left-hander was good from the start, driving with flair through the covers and punishing every over. He hit 11 fours and sixes while stringing together a vital partnership that helped India recover from the early setbacks.Jemimah Rodrigues looked comfortable during her brief stay, adding to the important space with Mandhana before losing an exciting start.
Harmanpreet and Deepti save India
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur then joined Mandhana to set up the innings with a crucial partnership of 89. While Mandhana played the batsman, Harmanpreet capped the innings with a patient 58 from 121 deliveries, ensuring that India remained in control throughout the afternoon.At 190/3, India looked set to cross the 350-run mark. But the removal of Mandhana changed things a lot.England’s players, led by Sophie Ecclestone, made good use of the old ball. Ecclestone took a sharp turn and bounced to finish with 3/68, while opener Mady Villiers impressed as India left a strong position.With wickets falling regularly around her, Deepti Sharma produced steady knocks under pressure. The all-rounder made 57 from 87 balls, hitting seven boundaries and guiding India to 285 runs before being last out to bat in the 75th over.
England lost early wickets
England were left with just 11 overs to bowl before the break and were in trouble when Kranti Gaud removed Tammy Beaumont for just two. Maia Bouchier looked assured on her 17th unbeaten run, while captain Heather Knight did not concede a single as England closed the day at 21/1, trailing India by 264 runs.
Summary Scores:
India: 285 all out in 74.5 overs (Smriti Mandhana 83, Harmanpreet Kaur 58, Deepti Sharma 57; Sophie Ecclestone 3/68, Issy Wong 2/41)England: 21/1 in 11 overs (Maia Bouchier 17*, Heather Knight 1*; Kranti Gaud 1/8)