The countdown has begun for a landmark moment in women’s cricket history after England announced a 15-player squad for their highly anticipated one-off Test against India at Lord’s, scheduled to take place from July 10 to July 13. The match will be the first women’s Test ever staged at the iconic venue, adding another significant chapter to the growth of the women’s game. More than 25,000 tickets have already been sold for the fixture, setting a new record for a women’s Test match in the United Kingdom and highlighting the increasing popularity of women’s cricket.
Leading England into this historic encounter will be captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, who is set to become the first English woman to captain her country in a Test match at the Home of Cricket. The experienced all-rounder has been named in a squad that combines proven international performers with a number of exciting young talents eager to make their mark in the longest format of the game.
The announcement comes during a busy period for England Women’s cricket, with the team currently competing in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on home soil before turning their attention to the red-ball challenge against India. Despite recently suffering a calf strain during the World Cup, Sciver-Brunt has been included in the Test squad and remains central to England’s plans for the prestigious fixture.
Among the most intriguing aspects of the squad selection is the presence of five players who could be involved in Test cricket for the first time. Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman and Mady Villiers are all in contention for Test debuts, while Grace Potts and Ellie Threlkeld could earn their first England caps in any format. Their inclusion reflects England’s desire to build depth and reward emerging talent ahead of an important period for women’s cricket.
England managing director of women’s cricket Clare Connor believes the occasion represents another major step forward for the game. “We have selected a strong Test squad under the leadership of Nat Sciver-Brunt for what will be another historic few days at Lord’s for women’s cricket,” Connor said. “Test cricket is a rare and wonderfully challenging experience in the women’s game and I know how proud our players are to represent England in this format.
“For the 11 women who will get the chance to be the first to enjoy that feeling at Lord’s, it will be a moment to savour.”
Connor’s comments underline the significance of the event, not only for the players involved but also for the broader development of women’s cricket. Lord’s has long been regarded as one of the sport’s most prestigious venues, and hosting a women’s Test match there for the first time is being viewed as a milestone in the pursuit of greater visibility and equality within the game. Fifty years after Rachael Heyhoe Flint led England Women at Lord’s, a new generation will have the opportunity to create history on the same ground.
The squad also features some of England’s most experienced campaigners. Heather Knight, one of the most respected figures in modern women’s cricket, is set to play her 15th Test match and remains the most-capped Test player in the squad. Alongside her are established names such as Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Bell and Lauren Filer, giving England a strong balance of experience and youth.
For England, the match also presents an opportunity to bounce back from their most recent Test outing. Their last appearance in the format came during the Women’s Ashes in Australia in January 2025, where they suffered defeat against a dominant Australian side at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. That experience has strengthened England’s determination to improve their performances in the longest format and re-establish themselves as a competitive Test team.
India, meanwhile, will arrive with confidence and ambition. The two teams have produced several memorable contests over the years, and the historic setting of Lord’s is expected to add even greater significance to the rivalry. The fixture is part of India’s multi-format tour of England and has been viewed as one of the standout events on the international women’s cricket calendar since it was first announced.
As anticipation continues to build, the historic clash promises to be more than just a cricket match. It represents the progress of women’s cricket, the growing appetite for the sport among fans, and an opportunity for a new generation of players to leave their mark on one of cricket’s most famous stages. When England and India walk onto the Lord’s outfield in July, they will not only be competing for victory but also contributing to a moment that could inspire the future of the women’s game for years to come.
England Squad:
Nat Sciver-Brunt (C), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Grace Potts, Ellie Threlkeld, Mady Villiers, Issy Wong
