India achieves historic victory in England Test, extending 40-year unbeaten streak in England
India’s 270-run win over England in the first-ever women’s Test match at Lord’s was not just another famous overseas victory. It further cements one of the most remarkable records in women’s Test cricket. India has not lost a Test match in England for 40 years. The win also maintained India’s unbeaten record in women’s Tests on home soil in England. India have played 10 Test matches in England since their first tour in 1986, winning three and drawing seven, with Monday’s victory at Lord’s the latest chapter in a remarkable journey spanning four decades. Overall, India and England have met 16 times in women’s Test matches. India currently leads the head-to-head series with four wins, with England being the only winner, while 11 of India’s matches have ended in draws. England’s only success was a slim two-run victory at Jamshedpur in 1995, while India won the last two completed Tests between the two sides. Recent success has been built on complete dominance. After scoring 285 in the first innings, India defeated England by 170 and took a considerable lead. Yastika Bhatia then etched her name in the history books by becoming the first woman to score a Test hundred at Lord’s, her fluent 113 helping India post 341 for seven and setting an ambitious target of 457 for England. Smriti Mandhana contributed 70 after scoring 83 in the first innings and Richa Ghosh’s unbeaten half-century hastened the announcement. England never seriously threatened the chase as India’s bowlers took advantage of the conditions expertly. Kranti Gaud took five wickets in the first innings and added two more in the second to take seven wickets in the match, while Sneh Rana and Sayali Satghare ensured that the pressure never let up. The win follows India’s 347-run win over England in Navi Mumbai in 2023 and once again demonstrates the visiting team’s growing stature in the longest format. At a ground steeped in cricketing history, India added another milestone, extending England’s unbeaten half-century run.
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