Mandhana, Harmanpreet and Deepti star as India post 285, reduce England to 21/1 on Day 1 at Lord’s

India Post 285 to reduce England to 21/1 in historic Lord’s Test (PTI photo) India and England shared the honors on a thrilling opening day of the first-ever women’s Test at Lord’s, with the visitors posted 285 before reducing England to 21/1 at stumps on Friday.After England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt won the toss and elected to field, India looked well placed for a much bigger total thanks to impressive half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma. However, a late collapse ensured that England regained control before the end of the game.The hosts then negotiated 11 overs in fading light but lost opener Tammy Beaumont cheaply, ending the match on Day 2.

Mandhana sets the tone

India endured a shaky start after losing Shafali Verma and Yastika Bhatia early, but Smriti Mandhana again showed her class with a smooth innings of 83 off 108 balls. The left-hander was positive from the start, elegantly driving through the covers and punishing anything that was kicked over. She hit 11 fours and a six while stringing together key partnerships that helped India recover from early setbacks.Jemimah Rodrigues looked comfortable during her short stay, adding a valuable stand with Mandhana before throwing away a promising start.

Harmanpreet and Deepti save India

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur then joined Mandhana to steady the innings with an important partnership of 89 runs. While Mandhana played the aggressor, Harmanpreet anchored the innings with a patient 58 off 121 deliveries that ensured India remained in the lead during the afternoon session.At 190/3, India looked set to cross the 350-run mark. But Mandhana’s release shifted the momentum dramatically.England’s spinners, led by Sophie Ecclestone, made excellent use of the aging ball. Ecclestone claimed sharp turn and bounce to finish with 3/68, while debutant Mady Villiers made an immediate impact as India slipped from a position of strength.With wickets regularly falling around her, Deepti Sharma played a calm knock under pressure. The experienced all-rounder compiled a valuable 57 off 87 balls, smashing seven boundaries and guiding India to a competitive 285 before becoming the last batsman to fall in the 75th over.

England lost a wicket early

England had just 11 overs to negotiate in front of the stumps and suffered an early setback when Kranti Gaud dismissed Tammy Beaumont for just two. Maia Bouchier looked assured during her unbeaten 17, while captain Heather Knight remained unbeaten in a single as England closed the day 264 runs behind India on 21/1.

Quick Score:

India: 285 all out in 74.5 overs (Smriti Mandhana 83, Harmanpreet Kaur 58, Deepti Sharma 57; Sophie Ecclestone 3/68, Issy Wong 2/41)England: Maia Bouchier 17*, Heather Knight 1*;