England have unveiled a 15-player squad for their historic women’s Test against India at Lord’s next month, with captain Nat Sciver-Brunt set to lead her side in the first women’s Test ever staged at the iconic venue. The one-off match, scheduled to begin on July 10, represents another landmark moment for the women’s game in England and will give a number of players the opportunity to create their own piece of history on one of cricket’s most celebrated grounds.
Sciver-Brunt, despite suffering a calf injury during England’s ongoing T20 World Cup campaign, has been included as captain and is expected to lead the side in what will be her 13th Test appearance. Heather Knight, meanwhile, remains the most experienced Test cricketer in the squad and is in line for her 15th appearance in the format.
The squad also features a blend of established internationals and emerging talent, with as many as five players in contention to make their Test debuts. Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman and Mady Villiers, all capped by England in white-ball cricket, could earn their first opportunities in the longest format. Grace Potts and Ellie Threlkeld, meanwhile, are yet to make their senior England debuts in any format.
England managing director of women’s cricket Clare Connor believes the occasion will be a memorable one for everyone involved, particularly those who take the field at Lord’s for the first women’s Test hosted at the ground. “We have selected a strong Test squad under the leadership of Nat Sciver-Brunt for what will be another historic few days at Lord’s for women’s cricket,” Connor said.
The match continues a period of significant growth for the women’s game, with record crowds, expanded domestic structures and increased visibility helping elevate women’s cricket across England in recent years. A Test at Lord’s, often referred to as the home of cricket, is viewed as another important step in that progression.
Connor highlighted the unique nature of the format and the significance of representing England in a Test match, “Test cricket is a rare and wonderfully challenging experience in the women’s game and I know how proud our players are to represent England in this format.”
Women’s Test cricket remains relatively infrequent compared to the white-ball game, making opportunities to play in the format especially valuable. England last featured in a Test during the Women’s Ashes in Australia in January 2025, where they were defeated by the hosts at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The upcoming encounter against India will therefore provide England with an opportunity to return to the format while also marking a first for Lord’s. For the players selected, the occasion carries added significance given the venue’s place in cricket history. Connor believes the experience will be one the players remember for years to come. “For the 11 women who will get the chance to be the first to enjoy that feeling at Lord’s, it will be a moment to savour.”
The squad includes a strong core of experienced players, with Tammy Beaumont, Sophie Ecclestone, Amy Jones, Lauren Bell and Issy Wong among those selected. Maia Bouchier, Emma Lamb and Lauren Filer also retain their places, while the inclusion of younger players reflects England’s continued efforts to build depth ahead of a busy international schedule.
England Squad
Nat Sciver-Brunt (C), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Grace Potts, Ellie Threlkeld, Mady Villiers, Iss Wong
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