IND vs ENG: Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma put India in command on Day 1 of Lord's Test

India enjoyed a memorable start to the historic women's Test at Lord's, riding on impressive half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma to take control of proceedings on the opening day. After posting a competitive first-innings total of 285, the visitors struck early with the ball to leave England reeling at stumps, firmly putting themselves in the driver's seat.

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Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma lead India's batting effort

The match marked a landmark occasion as it was the first-ever women's Test to be played at Lord's, with both teams taking the field in whites at the iconic venue.

India's innings got off to a disappointing start as Shafali Verma was dismissed for a four-ball duck, becoming the first woman to register a duck while opening the batting in a women's Test at Lord's. Yastika Bhatia followed for 12 before Jemimah Rodrigues contributed 35, leaving India at 101/3.

Mandhana then steadied the innings with a superb knock of 83 off 108 deliveries, striking 11 fours and a six before falling agonizingly short of what would have been the first century on the Lord's women's Test honours board.

The left-hander shared an 89-run partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who produced a composed 58 off 121 balls, including seven boundaries. Deepti Sharma further strengthened India's position with a valuable 57, helping the visitors post 285 in 74.5 overs.

England spinner Sophie Ecclestone was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets.

India strike early to leave England under pressure

England's reply began on a disappointing note as veteran opener Tammy Beaumont, playing the final Test match of her career, was dismissed for just two runs.

Maia Bouchier and Heather Knight then ensured there were no further setbacks before stumps, putting together an unbeaten stand to guide England to 21/1 at the close of play.

Despite the late resistance, England still trail India by 264 runs on the first innings, leaving the visitors in a commanding position heading into Day 2.

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With India's bowlers already making early inroads and the batting unit having laid a solid platform, Harmanpreet Kaur's side will look to tighten their grip on the contest when play resumes at the Home of Cricket.