Kranti Gaud strikes early as India lead England by 264 runs at Lord's
Synopsis
The first-ever women's Test at Lord's delivered a gripping day one: India posted 285, Smriti Mandhana anchored with 83, and Kranti Gaud struck early to remove Tammy Beaumont — playing her final international — for just 2. England survive at 21/1, still 264 behind, with Maia Bouchier unbeaten on 17 and a DRS blunder letting Heather Knight off the hook.
Key Takeaways
The historic first-ever women's Test at Lord's began on 10 July , a landmark for women's cricket.
India were bowled out for 285 in 74.5 overs , with Smriti Mandhana scoring 83 and Harmanpreet Kaur adding 58 .
Kranti Gaud dismissed Tammy Beaumont — in her final international — for 2 in the fourth over.
India missed a DRS opportunity that replays showed would have removed Heather Knight in the eighth over.
Maia Bouchier closed unbeaten on 17 ; England trail by 264 runs with 9 wickets in hand.
Kranti Gaud removed veteran opener Tammy Beaumont with a sharp incoming delivery to give India the first breakthrough, but a determined England closed day one of the historic first-ever women's Test at Lord's on 10 July at 21/1 in 11 overs, trailing India by 264 runs. The match, a landmark occasion in women's cricket, saw India post 285 all out in 74.5 overs before their bowlers made an early dent in the England reply.
India's First-Innings Total
Smriti Mandhana top-scored with a composed 83, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 58 to anchor India's innings. England's spinners led the resistance in the field, with Sophie Ecclestone claiming 3 for 68 and Issy Wong picking up 2 for 41 to bowl India out for 285.
Beaumont's Final Farewell Cut Short
Playing what is reportedly her final international match, Tammy Beaumont walked out to open in front of a packed Lord's crowd, only to fall for 2 in the fourth over. Gaud delivered a back-of-a-length ball that stayed low and nipped back sharply, trapping Beaumont plumb in front. The veteran chose not to review — and replays confirmed the ball was hitting stumps via umpire's call, validating the decision.
Key Moments in England's Reply
India came close to a second breakthrough in the eighth over when Gaud struck Heather Knight on the pads. The appeal was turned down and India, crucially, opted against the DRS. Replays later showed the ball would have crashed into leg stump, handing Knight a significant reprieve. Maia Bouchier, meanwhile, batted watchfully and broke free in the ninth over, driving a loose delivery from Sayali Satghare through mid-wicket for the innings' first boundary. She finished the day unbeaten on 17, with Knight unconquered on 1.
Spin Introduced at the Death
Captain Harmanpreet introduced Sneh Rana in the penultimate over of the day, and Rana responded with a tidy maiden. In the final over, Bouchier clipped Gaud through fine leg to add a few more runs before stumps were drawn. Satghare had opened the attack for India, beginning with a no-ball before settling into a probing line that generated away movement against Bouchier.
Brief Scores
India 285 all out in 74.5 overs (Smriti Mandhana 83, Harmanpreet Kaur 58; Sophie Ecclestone 3-68, Issy Wong 2-41) lead England 21/1 in 11 overs (Maia Bouchier 17 not out; Kranti Gaud 1-8) by 264 runs. Day two begins with England needing to bat deep to avoid the follow-on and keep this historic contest alive.
Point of View
But England's real test begins now: they need a partnership of substance, not sentiment, to keep this historic match alive.
NationPress
11 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the women's Test at Lord's?
This is the first-ever women's Test match played at Lord's, making it a historic milestone in women's cricket. The ground is widely regarded as the home of cricket, and hosting a women's Test there marks a landmark moment for the sport.
What did Kranti Gaud do on day one?
Medium-pacer Kranti Gaud dismissed England opener Tammy Beaumont for 2 in the fourth over with a back-of-a-length delivery that kept low and trapped her in front. Gaud finished the day with figures of 1 for 8 from her spell.
Why is Tammy Beaumont's dismissal particularly significant?
Tammy Beaumont is reportedly playing her final international match, making her dismissal at Lord's an emotionally charged moment. She fell for just 2, caught in the crease and trapped plumb in front by Kranti Gaud.
What was India's first-innings total and who were the top scorers?
India were bowled out for 285 in 74.5 overs. Smriti Mandhana top-scored with 83 and Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 58. Sophie Ecclestone took 3 for 68 and Issy Wong claimed 2 for 41 for England.
Where do England stand at the end of day one?
England closed day one at 21 for 1 in 11 overs, trailing India by 264 runs. Maia Bouchier is unbeaten on 17 and Heather Knight is not out on 1 as England begin day two needing to bat deep to stay in the match.
