Highlights: In-control India leave England questioning on day two

England’s Women’s Test side entered day two at Lord’s against India with a first-innings deficit of 129, but by stumps they were staring down a larger deficit and deeper doubts about their ability to compete at the highest level. India, already in command after a disciplined opening day, extended their dominance with controlled batting and sharp bowling to finish 246 runs ahead at close. The tourists’ approach left England’s batters and selectors with more questions than answers after just two sessions of the second day, with the follow-on now a near-certainty unless a dramatic rearguard action unfolds.

India’s methodical march continues

India’s top order again showed why they are the team in charge. They batted through the final session without alarm, adding 137 for the loss of one wicket to extend their lead beyond 200. The approach was built on patience and precision, with the batters rotating strike and waiting for loose deliveries rather than forcing the pace. England’s bowlers, who had managed to restrict India to 234 on day one, found few opportunities to apply pressure. By the close, India had reached 363 for 3, with the new ball due the following morning and the follow-on target now set at 376. Shafali Verma, who had already struck a fluent 68 in the first innings, continued her fine form with an unbeaten 45 at stumps, while Jemimah Rodrigues contributed 38. The only wicket to fall was that of Harmanpreet Kaur, caught behind off a sharp delivery from Kate Cross in the 32nd over, but the damage was minimal.

England’s top order exposed once more

England’s batting frailties were laid bare for a second consecutive day. The hosts needed 130 just to avoid the follow-on, but they managed just 42 runs in their opening 15 overs, a period that included 11 maidens. The top order again struggled against India’s seamers, who maintained tight lines and lengths while exploiting any width in the channel. England’s highest individual score of the session was 12, and only two batters—Danni Wyatt (11) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (10)—reached double figures. The pressure mounted quickly, and by the time the ninth wicket fell with 15 overs remaining, the follow-on was a mathematical certainty. Heather Knight, England’s captain, was dismissed for a duck in the 11th over, edging a full delivery from Renuka Singh to the keeper, while Lauren Bell’s 8 was the only other notable contribution. The absence of Tammy Beaumont, still recovering from injury, further exposed the fragility of England’s top order.

What comes next for both sides

For India, the challenge now is to finish the game without risking complacency. Their bowlers have already shown they can exploit English weaknesses, and a declaration at the right moment could give them time to bowl England out twice. The tourists’ spinners, including Deepti Sharma and Poonam Yadav, have yet to be needed, but their presence adds another dimension to India’s attack. England, meanwhile, face a reckoning. Their top order has now twice been dismantled by quality pace bowling, and the selectors will have to decide whether changes are needed before the limited-overs series begins. The Lord’s pitch has offered little for spinners so far, which may limit England’s tactical options, though the cloudy conditions could yet play into their hands if they opt for an extra seamer.

One thing is clear: India have set the tone. They have controlled the game’s tempo from the first morning, and England have yet to find a way to shift it. The tourists’ next step is to convert this advantage into a win, while England must regroup quickly if they are to avoid a heavy defeat. The limited-overs series looms as a potential turning point, but first, they must address the structural issues exposed in this Test.