An early exit from the T20 World Cup has given India more time to prepare for the red-ball contest at the iconic venue, 142 years after the first men’s Test was played at the “Home of Cricket”.
The Indian team trained at the beautiful Wormsley Cricket Ground ahead of their second Test of the year, having last played a red-ball match in Australia in March.
India are likely to continue with the opening pair
Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Varma are expected to continue as India’s opening pair after the job in the previous Test against Australia.
Priya Punia was added to the squad as a replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal, who batted at No. 3 during India’s 10-wicket loss to Australia.
India also have a chance to give Test debuts to Harleen Deol, in-form spinner Sree Charani and pacer Nandni Sharma.
Strong record against England
Although women’s Tests are rare, India have enjoyed success against England in the top format.
India have won three of their last four Tests against England and remain unbeaten in England, with two wins and seven draws.
Squads:
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Shafali Varma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Sree Charani, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Nandni Sharma, Harleen Deol, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Ratghare, Priya.
England: Nat Sciver-Brunt (captain), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Grace Potts, Ellie Threlkeld, Mady Villiers, Issy Wong.