And the most iconic stadium in the world, Lord’s is all set to host its first ever women’s Test — as India & England play the one-off match starting July 10. Out of the 15-member squad, Harmanpreet Kaur has already faced an hurdle, as dependable batter Pratika Rawal is ruled out due to a long-standing injury. That leaves the team with a very limited choice, to replace her.
Another issue for the team could be, picking their pace attack. The skipper might be tempted to get in Renuka Singh Thakur in English conditions, but perhaps someone like Sayali Satghare could serve her better. For the same reason, Insidesport takes a look at the best possible India playing XI vs England.
Harleen Deol vs Yastika Bhatia
Let us address the elephant in the room straightaway. The opening pair looks set with Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma; the latter has a double ton in the format — against SA in 2024, and there is no reason why she should not open with the legendary southpaw. But it is the no. 3-4 position that has a vacancy, after Pratika has failed to recover from her foot injury sustained during the World Cup 2025.
The squad also has the likes of Harleen Deol and Yastika Bhatia. Priya Punia has also been added to the 15. Going by logic, it should be Harleen, who has the most experience; but the team management might be tempted to go with Yastika, who has played 3 matches before — has scored 98 runs at an average of 19. On top of that, Harleen is a brilliant fielder, while Yastika could be a liability, if she is not keeping. Out verdict – Harleen.
Batting core remains the same
There ought to be no other change in the batting, from what it was in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. Strange, but that is how good the Indian batters are. Jemimah Rodrigues has played 4 matches, averages 50 and has scored 4 fifties in her career. She would be followed by Harmanpreet Kaur, who in her 7-match career hasn’t done anything substantial — averages 23, but still is one of India’s key players.
Deepti Sharma happens to be biggest asset for the team in the format. She has played 6 matches, bagged 22 wickets and scored 335 runs. She would be followed by Richa Ghosh, who has scored 162 runs in 3 matches at an average of 32.40.
The pace-attack conundrum
When you have Renuka Singh Thakur in the squad, she should automatically play, but her returns in Tests have been rathe nominal. In three matches, she has only picked two wickets at an average of 90. The saner choice would be Sayali Satghare, who picked up 4 wickets in her only Test — vs the Aussies. She doubles up as an all-rounder, and can score some crucial runs.
The other pacer has to be, has to be Kranti Gaud. She might have had a forgettable WC, but India do need some extra pace. She also played at the WACA Test, and should play here too.
Deepti-Shree Charani to lead spin attack
The spin attack is what really gives this side a confident look. Deepti of course would be leader of the pack, followed by Shree Charani, Sneh Rana.. if needed Shafali can bowl her mystery spinners, and so can Harleen. Shree has never played a Test, but in the WC, finished as the highest wicket-taker, 14 in 5 matches.
India women Predicted XI for Lord’s Test
Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Varma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), Sneh Rana, Sayali Satghare, Shree Charani, Kranti Gaud.
Pratika Rawal’s injury weakens India batting for historic Lord’s Test, Sayali Satghare over Renuka Singh Inside Sport India.
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