India are ready to move on from their disappointing Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign as they prepare for a historic one-off Test against England at Lord’s, starting on July 10, 2026.
India were knocked out in the group stage of the T20 World Cup after finishing behind Australia and South Africa in Group A. Although the result was disappointing, the team has quickly shifted its attention to the red-ball format and the chance to play in the first-ever Women’s Test at the famous Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Head coach Amol Muzumdar said the team has already spoken about the World Cup disappointment and is now fully focused on the challenge ahead.
“What is gone, we cannot change it. We have discussed about it within the squad,” Muzumdar said before the Test. “All we need to do is look forward and prepare the best we can for the event ahead. So, I guess that’s been the talk. I’m sure all the players are looking forward to the Test match. Just leave aside the disappointment and get into the present.”
The upcoming match is a landmark moment for women’s cricket. It will be the first time a Women’s Test is played at Lord’s, one of the most famous cricket grounds in the world.
Muzumdar believes the occasion will be remembered for many years and could help grow the women’s game even further.
“I think the first one will always be special,” he said. “The first-ever World Cup win was special. The first-ever Test match at Lord’s will be special. Just looking forward to the next four to five years, what women’s cricket will bring. You never know.
“Just have to explore those dynamics (of playing women’s Tests). And the more we do it, the more people turn up, the more popular the women’s game becomes, the better it is for everyone. So, I guess this Lord’s Test Match is a special one.”
India’s attention has quickly turned from the fast pace of T20 cricket to the longer format. The team has had very little time to switch formats, but Muzumdar is confident that professional players can make the adjustment without too many problems.
He pointed out that India will also play another Test later this year against South Africa, giving the players more opportunities to gain experience in red-ball cricket.
“There’s another Test match this year against South Africa, so we are playing more Test matches within the year than in the last few years,” he said.
“So, I guess it is just about adjustment, just a click in your mind. If you’re a professional cricketer, I personally feel that it just should be a click in your mind about playing red-ball cricket and white-ball cricket. There’s not much of a difference.”
Even though modern cricket is heavily focused on limited-overs formats, Muzumdar believes Test cricket remains unique because it tests every part of a player’s game.
He said the longer format brings different challenges that players enjoy. “Red-ball cricket is always exciting, and it brings different challenges. You’ve got to bowl 100 overs (in a day), and it’s a four-day game.
“I guess different challenges, different excitement, different abilities come to the fore. So, I guess Test cricket will always be Test cricket. Personally, calling me an old timer, red-ball cricket brings a lot of excitement. In this squad at least, what I’ve seen in the dressing room, they’re all looking forward to the Test match, and they’re geared up for it.”
India will hope this historic Test provides the perfect opportunity to leave behind the disappointment of the T20 World Cup and make a fresh start. Playing at Lord’s is a dream for many cricketers, and the team now has the chance to create history at one of the sport’s most iconic venues.
With the World Cup campaign now behind them, India will look to begin a new chapter as they take on England in a match that promises to be a special occasion for women’s cricket.
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