The historic setting of Lord’s Cricket Ground provided the perfect canvas for much-anticipated high-risk Test cricket ENG-W vs IND-W only test Starting on July 10, 2026. The traditional red ball offers plenty of intrigue under the morning sky, England Women After winning the toss, they decided to field first and tried to take advantage of the early moisture. Whereas IndiaThe batting lineup showed incredible resilience to reach 108/3 by the end of the opening session, a morning undoubtedly punctuated by moments of individual bowling brilliance. Among them, England’s premier pace bowler’s brilliant seam bowling took social media by storm.
Lauren Bell clean bowled Yastika Bhatia with a brilliant ball on the first day at Lord’s.
The defining highlight of the first session came in the seventh over, creating a scene that would be repeated for years. facing an investigation initial spell from lauren bellIndia’s number three batsman Yastika Bhatia She was visibly working hard to get into her groove. After struggling to score 12 runs off 17 balls, including two fours, Bhatia looked set to take over the top order with the opener. Smriti Mandhana.
However, on the final delivery of the 7th over (6.6 overs), Bell produced a tremendous Jaffa which left the batsman completely stunned. Pushing the ball on length, the delivery initially tracked late through the air, swinging sharply towards middle and leg stump. As Bhatia tried to face his bat to get it away, the ball hit the seam hard and went completely through his defensive line.
Before Bhatia could register the deviation, the ball hit the outside edge and landed flush on the off-stump. The Indian left-hander stood in disbelief at the massive amount of movement, being dismissed for 12, while the scoreboard reached an alarming 37/2. It was a classic Test match outing that highlighted Bell’s distinctive ability to manipulate the seam in ideal English conditions.
Here is the video:
Bailey gets Ystika 👏
What a beginning. pic.twitter.com/9r8qqFwt2k
– England Cricket (@englandcricket) 10 July 2026
England dominated the start of the session against India on the first day
While India managed to steady the ship in the later session, England’s bowling unit dominated the opening hour thereafter Nat Sciver-Brunt Invite the visitors to bat. The home team attacked almost immediately Lauren Filler force detonator Shafali Verma A fatal mistake happened in the very second over. Verma was out on zero on four balls, caught quickly behind by the wicketkeeper. amy jonesDue to which India was reduced to 4/1 in 1.2 overs.
After Verma’s departure, Bhatia and Mandhana attempted to weather the storm, weathering a tense England review in the third over, where an LBW shout against Bhatia was overruled by the umpire’s call. Bhatia had to be dismissed immediately after Bell’s success, which posed a threat to the Indian middle order.
The pressure kept increasing due to England’s disciplined attitude Sophie Ecclestone 29 runs were scored in a tough spell of 6 overs. issy wong Clean-bowling also benefited from sustained pressure in the later sessions. jemima rodrigues Played a good inning of 35 runs in 38 balls as India reached the milestone of 101 runs. Despite early setbacks and the fall of three wickets, India were relieved by a brilliant, unbeaten counter-attacking half-century. Smriti Mandhanawho is with the captain Harmanpreet KaurGuided India to 122/3 at the end of a thrilling first session.
Also read: Pratika Raval ruled out of one-off Test against England; Replacement announced
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.
