In 2026, England will make history by hosting India in the first-ever women's Test match at Lord's. This landmark event will be England's first home Test since the 2023 Ashes, where Australia emerged victorious at Trent Bridge.
The previous Ashes Test was notable for its five-day format, a departure from the usual four-day structure for women's Tests. However, the duration of the upcoming Lord's match has yet to be confirmed.
Heather Knight's team recently played a Test against India in Mumbai in December 2023 and is set to travel to South Africa this winter for another Test match. They are also scheduled to play a Test during the 2025 away Ashes series, which will take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Women's Test matches are infrequent, often appearing as one-off games within a broader white-ball series. However, India has recently demonstrated a growing interest in Test cricket, having competed in Tests against England, South Africa, and Australia over the past three years.
While white-ball cricket is frequently played at Lord's, including England's memorable World Cup win in 2017, last year's Ashes T20, and a T20 against New Zealand earlier this summer, this Test match will mark a new chapter for women's cricket at the historic venue.
Heather Knight, England's captain, stands out as the team's most experienced Test player, having earned 12 caps in her career.