After posting 285 in their first innings, India bowled out England for just 170 to take a 115-run lead before extending their lead to 269 runs at stumps on Day 2. Smriti Mandhana remained unbeaten on 69, while Yastika Bhatia provided solid support with India’s unbeaten 354/1 for the second time.
India is likely to push for the declaration
India’s biggest priority on Day 3 is to establish an undisputed lead before declaring. With a good set of Mandhana and Yastika looking comfortable at the crease, the visitors have an ideal platform to facilitate the morning session.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh and the lower middle order still batted, giving India the luxury of increasing the lead beyond the 400-run mark. A target of over 450 would leave England with little realistic chance of chasing and shift their focus purely towards survival.
Due to the flattening pitch, India will be expected to balance quick scoring with ensuring they have enough time to beat England twice before the end of the Test.
Mandhana looked at another sign knocking
Smriti Mandhana once again led from the front with an unbeaten half-century after scoring 83 in the first innings. The left-hander looked in complete control throughout the match and will be eyeing a century on Day 3.
His partnership with Yastika Bhatia has already frustrated England’s bowlers, and another strong stand could completely shut the hosts out of the contest.
Kranti Gaud has emerged as India’s new pace sensation
When India’s batting set the platform, debutant Kranti Gaud gave the best performance with the ball.
The young seamer produced a fearsome spell claiming 5/37, which dismantled England’s batting lineup and ensured that India took complete control of the Test. His disciplined lines, movement from the top and ability to hit the new ball make him India’s biggest weapon heading into England’s second innings.
If India sets a big target, Gaud will once again be left to provide the early bursts.
England are looking for inspiration
England faced an uphill battle after managing just 170 in their first innings. Apart from Amy Jones’ batting half-century, the hosts failed to put together a meaningful partnership against the relentless Indian attack.
Their bowlers also struggled to break through after Shafali Verma was dismissed early in India’s second innings. Sophie Ecclestone, who picked up three wickets in the first innings, will once again shoulder the responsibility of leading England’s bowling attack and try to spark an unlikely collapse.
The hosts knew that allowing India’s lead to go past 400 would effectively end their hopes of avoiding defeat.
As Lord’s became more batting friendly, the signs of wear started to show. As the match progresses into the fourth innings, India’s experienced spin duo Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana will be the decisive factors.
With the surface expected to provide more turn and variable bounce later in the game, India’s bowlers will be back on their own to make the most of the conditions and complete a memorable Test win overseas.
The 3rd day promises a specific session
The opening session of Day 3 could determine the course of the game. If India are positive to win and declare with a fearsome lead, England will face a huge challenge to survive against a confident Indian bowling attack in a worn Lord’s face.