India will look to recover from a disappointing Women’s T20 World Cup campaign when they face hosts England in a historic Test at Lord’s beginning on Friday. The match will be the first women’s Test ever staged at the iconic venue, coming 142 years after the ground hosted its first men’s Test. India’s early exit from the T20 tournament gave the team additional time to prepare for the red-ball contest.

The Indian squad trained at Wormsley Cricket Ground ahead of what will be its second Test of the year, having previously faced Australia in March. Head coach Amol Muzumdar said the players had been excited about the prospect of playing at Lord’s even before the T20 World Cup began. He described the occasion as special and said every Indian cricketer taking the field in whites would be proud to represent the country at the historic venue.

Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Varma are expected to continue as India’s opening pair after performing the role in the previous Test against Australia. Priya Punia has been added to the squad as a replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal, who batted at number three during India’s 10-wicket defeat in Australia. Harleen Deol, in-form spinner Sree Charani and pacer Nandni Sharma are among the Indian players who could make their Test debuts.

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Although women’s Test matches remain relatively rare, India have an impressive record against England in the traditional format. The visitors have won three of their last four Tests against the hosts and remain unbeaten in Tests played in England, recording two victories and seven draws. India will hope that record provides confidence as they attempt to move past their disappointing T20 World Cup campaign and produce a stronger performance in the longer format.

England also have several players awaiting their Test debuts, including Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Mady Villiers, Grace Potts and Ellie Threlkeld. The match will also mark the final international appearance of experienced opener Tammy Beaumont, who has announced her retirement. Beaumont is one of only two England women to score an international century in all three formats and became the first English woman to make a Test double-century with her 208 against Australia in 2023.

The landmark contest at Lord’s will therefore carry significance for both teams, with India seeking a fresh start and England preparing to farewell one of their most accomplished players. Harmanpreet Kaur will lead India, with Smriti Mandhana serving as vice-captain, while Nat Sciver-Brunt will captain the hosts. With history set to be made at the Home of Cricket, both sides will be aiming to deliver a memorable performance in the first women’s Test staged at the venue.

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