Sophie Ecclestone Takes Three Wickets, England Struggles in First Innings

London, July 11 – England’s bowlers found it difficult to contain India’s batting on the opening day of the women’s Test at Lord’s. Sophie Ecclestone emerged as the most successful bowler, removing three Indian batters.

India’s innings of 285 featured early setbacks, slipping to 37 for 2. A resilient partnership of 64 runs between Smriti Mandhana and Jemima Rodriguez helped steady the ship, with Rodriguez scoring 35. Mandhana later combined with captain Harmanpreet Kaur for a 89‑run partnership, ending on 83 runs. Kaur added 58 and Deepthi Sharma contributed 57.

England’s reply was curtailed to 170 runs in 59.1 overs. After a precarious start at 47 for 4, Nat Sciver‑Brunt and Amy Jones steadied the innings with an 84‑run partnership for the fifth wicket. Jones, who made 52, was the last major resistance before wickets fell in quick succession.

Kriti Gawde’s spell of five wickets for 37 runs turned the match in India’s favour. Supporting bowlers Sanya Sathegre and Sneha Rana each claimed two wickets, while Deepthi Sharma added one.

The contest marks the first women’s Test at the iconic Lord’s venue, highlighting the growing profile of women’s cricket on the global stage.