Lord’s To Host Its First-Ever Women’s Test

In a groundbreaking announcement, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that the first-ever women’s Test match at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground will be played between India and England in 2026. This historic event marks a significant milestone in women’s cricket and promises to be a truly special occasion.

Richard Gould, the Chief Executive Officer of the ECB, expressed his excitement about the announcement, stating, “I’m delighted we can confirm that India Women will return in 2026 to take on England Women in the first-ever women’s Test match at Lord’s. It will be a truly special occasion and one of real significance.” The decision to hold the match at Lord’s, often referred to as the ‘home of cricket,’ underscores the growing importance and recognition of women’s cricket on the global stage.

The match is set to take place after India’s tour of England in mid-2025, where the two teams will compete in a three-match One Day International (ODI) series. The ODIs are scheduled for September 2, 4, and 7 at Headingley, Lord’s, and Southampton, respectively. Following this, India will return in 2026 to play the historic one-off Test match at Lord’s.

This announcement is a significant step forward for women’s cricket, as it will be the first time a women’s Test match is hosted at Lord’s. While England Women have played white-ball matches at Lord’s over the past few years, this will be the first occasion where the ground will witness a women’s Test match. The ECB’s decision to hold this match at such a prestigious venue reflects the growing status and popularity of women’s cricket.

India and England have a long history of competing in women’s Test matches. Since their first encounter in June 1986, the two teams have faced each other in nine Test matches on English soil. Their most recent Test clash in Bristol in June 2021 ended in a draw, highlighting the competitive nature of these two teams.

The 2026 Test match at Lord’s will not only be a historic event but also an opportunity for both teams to showcase their skills in the longest format of the game. The match is expected to attract significant attention from cricket fans around the world, further boosting the profile of women’s cricket.