Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur made a special impression on the opening day of the women’s one-off Test against England at Lord’s, becoming the first Indian cricketer, male or female, to score 50s in all three internationals at the iconic venue. The 37-year-old reached his peak when he scored 58 in India’s first match on Friday, adding another impressive feat to his decorated international career. Harmanpreet had already registered fifty wickets including ODIs and T20Is at the Home of Cricket. His latest knock completed the set, making him the first Indian to play in Tests, ODIs and T20Is at Lord’s. The Indian batsman played a key role in rebuilding the innings after an early totter. India were reduced to 37 for 2 inside the opening seven overs following the dismissal of Shafali Verma and Yastika Bhatia. Smriti Mandhana settled the innings aside Jemimah Rodriguesthe two add 64 runs for the third wicket. Rodrigues made a quick 35 from 38 before falling to Issy Wong. Harmanpreet joined Mandhana in a crucial 89-run stand that put India in a commanding position. The skipper looked good in all his innings, driving confidently through the covers and turning the strike well as England hunted for victory. Mandhana popped up for a century before taking out Wong for 83, while Harmanpreet’s brilliant 58 completed the innings before tea when first-run player Mady Villiers pulled out the break to bowl the Indian captain. India went to tea at 202 for 5 but failed to make the platform. The England bowlers responded strongly, and took the remaining seven wickets for just 85 runs. Deepti Sharma provided the necessary resistance by reducing the order with 57 runs and shared a 45-run partnership with Sneh Rana, helping India post 285 in their first innings. England started brilliantly in reply and closed the opening day on 21 for 1. Kranti Goud struck early to remove Tammy Beaumont for two, while Maya Bouchier remained unbeaten on 17 with Heather Knight as the players ended the day trailing India by 264 runs.
