India opened the series with a 285‑run first‑innings at Lord’s, setting England a perfeita—no, 264‑run deficit as England trail 21‑1 after the first Edo.

Deepti Sharma accelerated to a 50‑run half‑century мир in 70 balls, her fifth Test fifty and third against England, sparking a brief lift in India’s momentum. Sophie Ecclestone claimed the first wicket, 3‑68, and continued to bowl tightly, while Mady Villiers and Sneh Rana added quick singles to keep the chase alive.

England’s innings saw a brisk start, with Beaumont lbw for two and a couple of early wickets falling. Alice Capsey fared well in the deep, but England’s top order collapsed to 21‑1, leaving the side 264 runs behind.

The early loss places England on the back foot; the chase will hinge on a strong middle‑order response, and the result will dictate the pressure on England’s bowlers in the coming days. A decisive turnaround will be critical for England’s confidence and series standing.