Sophie Ecclestone etched her name into English cricket history on the opening day of the first women’s Test at Lord’s, becoming the nation’s leading wicket-taker across all three formats as England seized control against India.
Her late surge in the final session proved pivotal, helping to bowl India out for 285.
The 27-year-old spinner had to bide her time, but when she dismissed Sayali Satghare leg before wicket, she surpassed Katherine Sciver-Brunt’s career total of 335 dismissals. Ecclestone then cleaned up the tail, extending her record to 338 wickets during a dominant bowling display that also saw debutant Mady Villiers claim two crucial wickets.
After England, fresh from their T20 World Cup final defeat to Australia, won the toss and elected to bowl in sweltering conditions, they made an immediate impact. Lauren Filer claimed the first women’s Test wicket at Lord’s in just the second over, having Shafali Verma caught behind for a four-ball duck. Lauren Bell then bowled Yastika Bhatia (12), leaving India struggling at 37 for two.
India mounted a recovery through opener Smriti Mandhana, who crafted an impressive 83, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who also reached a half-century.
However, England’s bowling unit regained authority as the day progressed. Issy Wong broke a determined partnership by having Mandhana caught behind in the 45th over, with India on 190 for four.
Mady Villiers, making her Test debut alongside Alice Capsey, secured her first Test wicket just before tea, dispatching Kaur with a turning delivery. Following the interval, Villiers added a second, trapping Sneh Rana (13) leg before wicket after England successfully reviewed the on-field not-out decision.
The final collapse was swift, orchestrated by Ecclestone. After removing Satghare, she quickly accounted for Deepti Sharma (57) and Kranti Gaud (one) within six balls, bringing India’s innings to a close at 285.
In response, England faced a brief but challenging period before stumps. Tammy Beaumont, who is set to retire from international cricket after this match, was dismissed for just two, trapped leg before by Kranti Gaud. Opening partner Maia Bouchier (17 not out) and former captain Heather Knight guided England to 21 for one from 11 overs at the close of play, leaving them in a strong position heading into day two.