Gaud and Mandhana star as India take control against struggling England
India took firm control of the one-off women's Test against England at Lord's on day two, with debutant seamer Kranti Gaud claiming five wickets and making history in the process. By the close, the tourists had built a commanding position that left England struggling to find a way back into the match.
Gaud's five-wicket haul helped restrict England before Smriti Mandhana frustrated the hosts with an unbeaten 69, guiding India to 154-1 at stumps. That left the visitors with a lead of 269 runs and in complete command of the fixture heading into day three.
In short
- Kranti Gaud takes five wickets and makes history on debut.
- Smriti Mandhana unbeaten on 69 as India reach 154-1.
- India lead by 269, in full control at Lord's.
Explained simply
Women's Test cricket is the longest format of the sport, played over five days. Test matches remain increasingly rare in women's cricket, making occasions like this particularly significant.
India and England are among the world's leading women's cricket nations with an established competitive relationship. The Indian squad features seamer Kranti Gaud and batter Smriti Mandhana as key players.
Test cricket is traditionally the most prestigious format of the sport, requiring exceptional skill and endurance over five days. Encounters between major nations like India and England are important for developing women's Test cricket and for demonstrating the sport's quality to a worldwide audience.
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