England faces a difficult path to recovery in the one-off Test match at Lord’s as India established a dominant position on the second day. After starting the morning at 21-1, the English side was dismissed for 170, leaving them trailing India’s first-innings total of 285 by 115 runs. By the close of play, India reached 154-1, extending their overall lead to 269 on a pitch that proved increasingly comfortable for batting.
Kranti Gaud wrote her name into the history books by becoming the first female player to secure a spot on the Lord’s Test honours board. Her impressive bowling spell of 5-37 dismantled England’s batting lineup. Despite a resilient 84-run partnership between captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and Amy Jones, England suffered a late collapse, losing their final six wickets for only 39 runs.
Smriti Mandhana continued her excellent form for India, finishing the day unbeaten on 69. Alongside Shafali Verma, who contributed 33, she provided a solid foundation that leaves England’s bowlers facing a heavy workload ahead of the third day. With favorable weather forecast, India appears well-positioned to bat England out of the contest.
