India’s 40-year-old streak in England continues with historic Lord’s win

India’s historic 270-run win over England (ANI Photo)

India’s emphatic 270-run victory over England in the first-ever women’s Test at Lord’s was more than just another famous overseas win. It further cemented one of the most remarkable records in women’s Test cricket. India have now gone 40 years without losing a Test match in England. The triumph also preserved India’s unbeaten record in women’s Tests on English soil. Across 10 Tests played in England since their first tour in 1986, India have won three and drawn seven, with Monday’s victory at Lord’s becoming the latest chapter in a remarkable run that has spanned four decades. Overall, India and England have met 16 times in women’s Tests. India now lead the head-to-head with four wins to England’s lone victory, while 11 matches have ended in draws. England’s only success came by a narrow two-run margin in Jamshedpur in 1995, while India have won each of the last two completed Tests between the sides. The latest success was built on complete domination. After posting 285 in the first innings, India bundled England out for 170 to secure a sizeable lead. Yastika Bhatia then etched her name into the history books by becoming the first woman to score a Test century at Lord’s, her fluent 113 helping India declare at 341 for seven and set England an imposing 457-run target. Smriti Mandhana contributed 70 after making 83 in the first innings, while Richa Ghosh’s unbeaten half-century accelerated the declaration. England never seriously threatened the chase as India’s bowlers exploited the conditions expertly. Kranti Gaud, who claimed a five-wicket haul in the first innings, added two more in the second to finish with seven wickets in the match, while Sneh Rana and Sayali Satghare ensured the pressure never relented. The win followed India’s commanding 347-run victory over England in Navi Mumbai in 2023 and reaffirmed the visitors’ growing stature in the longest format. At a venue steeped in cricketing history, India added another milestone, extending an unbeaten streak in England that now stretches across half a century.