India fast bowler Kranti Gaud created history by becoming the first woman to take a five-wicket haul in a Test match at Lord’s, producing a brilliant spell that put India in complete control against England on Day 2 of the historic one-off Women’s Test.
Playing in the first-ever women’s Test at the Home of Cricket, the young pacer delivered one of the finest bowling performances seen at the famous venue. Her outstanding figures of 5/37 in 17 overs, including seven maiden overs, helped bowl England out for just 170, giving India a first-innings lead of 115 runs.
The match itself is a landmark occasion for women’s cricket. Lords has hosted men’s Test cricket since 1884, but this is the first time the ground has staged a women’s Test. Kranti’s memorable performance has now earned her a permanent place in the history of the iconic stadium.
India had earlier posted 285 in their first innings after several batters made valuable contributions. Smriti Mandhana once again led the way with an excellent 83 off 108 balls, hitting 11 fours and one six. She looked in complete control before falling to Issy Wong after giving India a strong platform.
After Shafali Verma was dismissed early without scoring and Yastika Bhatia added 12, Jemimah Rodrigues played an attacking innings of 35 from 38 balls, striking five boundaries. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur then showed her experience with a patient 58 off 121 deliveries, while Deepti Sharma added an equally important 57 from 87 balls to keep the innings together.
Richa Ghosh chipped in with 13, while Sneh Rana, Sayali Satghare and the lower order added valuable runs before India were bowled out for 285 in 74.5 overs. For England, Sophie Ecclestone was the most successful bowler with 3/68, while Lauren Filer claimed 2/40. Issy Wong and Mady Villiers also picked up two wickets each, and Lauren Bell took one.
England’s reply never really got going as India’s bowlers kept taking wickets at regular intervals. Kranti made an immediate impact by trapping Tammy Beaumont lbw for just two before later dismissing Maia Bouchier for 23. England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt tried to rebuild the innings with a determined 44 from 85 balls, but Kranti returned to remove her as well, putting India firmly on top.
The right-arm seamer continued her brilliant spell by dismissing Alice Capsey for nine and later removing Lauren Bell to complete her historic five-wicket haul. Throughout her spell, she bowled with excellent control, repeatedly troubling England’s batters with movement, accuracy and disciplined lengths.
While Kranti was the star, India’s other bowlers also played important supporting roles. Sayali Satghare struck twice, removing Heather Knight and Sophie Ecclestone at crucial moments. Sneh Rana also claimed two wickets, dismissing Amy Jones after the wicketkeeper had top-scored for England with 52 from 62 balls, before removing Mady Villiers. Deepti Sharma wrapped up the innings by trapping Lauren Filer lbw.
England were eventually bowled out for 170 in 59.1 overs, leaving themselves well behind in the match. With a lead of 115 runs, India started their second innings confidently. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma safely negotiated the opening overs and reached 30 without loss in 6 overs at the end of second session, tea break. Mandhana remained unbeaten on 10, while Shafali was not out on 14 as India extended their overall advantage to 145 runs heading into the final session.
For now, however, the biggest story belongs to Kranti Gaud. On a historic occasion for women’s cricket at Lord’s, she delivered a performance that will be remembered for years, becoming the first bowler to take a five-wicket haul in a women’s Test at the Home of Cricket and giving India a commanding position in this landmark match.
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