England faces a heavy defeat in the one-off women’s Test match against India at Lord’s as they head into the final day. After India declared at 341-7, England was left chasing a record-breaking 457 runs. By the end of the third day, the hosts were struggling at 130-6, requiring another 327 to secure an unlikely victory.
It was a disappointing finale for retiring stars Tammy Beaumont and Heather Knight. Beaumont was dismissed for a golden duck, while Knight managed only 13 runs before falling. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt also exited early, contributing 11 runs. Although Mady Villiers and Amy Jones staged a 67-run partnership to provide some stability, Villiers was caught shortly before the close of play. Jones remains unbeaten on 52.
India’s command over the match was cemented by Yastika Bhatia, who became the first female player to score a Test century at Lord’s, finishing with 113. Despite Sophie Ecclestone claiming 5-118 and earning a place on the Lord’s honours board, England struggled to contain the Indian batters. Poor bowling support for Lauren Bell and difficulties navigating the pitch conditions have left the English team facing a lopsided conclusion to the series.
