Daijiworld Media Network - London
London, Jul 10: England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt won the toss and elected to field against India in the landmark one-off women's Test at Lord's Cricket Ground on Friday, marking the first women's Test match ever to be played at the iconic venue.
Choosing to bowl first, Sciver-Brunt said the conditions were expected to favour the seamers early in the day. She also confirmed Test debuts for batting all-rounder Alice Capsey and off-spinner Mady Villiers, while noting that the match marks the final international appearance of veteran opener Tammy Beaumont.
"We feel the conditions will offer the bowlers the best assistance at the start. Playing at Lord's is a special occasion, and it's a privilege to be part of this historic moment. We've inherited a wonderful legacy and hope to do it justice," the England captain said after the toss.
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said her side was prepared to bat first if required and viewed the occasion as a significant milestone for women's cricket. She confirmed that left-arm spinner N. Sree Charani would make her Test debut, while Yastika Bhatia would bat at No. 3 after Pratika Rawal was ruled out with a laceration to her right knee.
"We're excited to be playing at Lord's. It's a proud moment for the team, and we're looking forward to putting up a strong total. We've gone with a combination of two fast bowlers and three spinners," Harmanpreet said.
Pitch commentator Simon Doull observed that the surface had around 7mm of live grass, which should assist seam bowlers during the opening sessions. He added that while the pitch was unlikely to be exceptionally quick, bowlers would benefit from pitching the ball up, with the surface also expected to offer turn as the match progresses.
Playing XIs:
India: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia, Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Deepti Sharma, Sayali Satghare, Sneh Rana, N. Sree Charani and Kranti Gaud.
England: Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt (captain), Alice Capsey, Amy Jones (wicketkeeper), Mady Villiers, Sophie Ecclestone, Issy Wong, Lauren Bell and Lauren Filer.