Lord’s Cricket Ground has crossed the 20,000-ticket sales mark for the upcoming women’s Test between England and India, underlining growing anticipation ahead of a historic occasion at the Home of Cricket.
Scheduled to begin on Friday, July 10, 2026, the match will be the first women’s Test staged at Lord’s. It arrives 50 years after England first played a women’s fixture at the venue and follows the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, set to take place in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5, 2026.
India tour sets stage for historic clash
India’s tour of England runs from May 28 to July 13, 2026, featuring a three-match T20I series before the one-off Test at Lord’s. The last time England Women hosted India in a Test was in June 2021 at the County Ground in Bristol, where the match ended in a draw.
This upcoming fixture renews a competitive rivalry, with India entering the series as one of the leading sides in the women’s game. Their recent success includes winning the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup at home, where they defeated South Africa in the final under captain Harmanpreet Kaur and head coach Amol Muzumdar.
Strong demand reflects rising interest
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) confirmed the milestone in ticket sales, highlighting the surge in demand for the match. Tickets remain available across all four days, reinforcing the venue’s continued investment in the women’s game.
Lord’s is currently the only confirmed venue set to host women’s international matches until at least 2031, further strengthening its role in the sport’s development.
A historic return to red-ball cricket
The Test will mark the first time international women’s red-ball cricket is played at Lord’s, adding a new chapter to the venue’s history, which has largely been defined by limited-overs matches.
The ground has previously hosted 21 England Women internationals, including 18 ODIs and three T20Is. Among its most notable moments are England’s victory in the 2009 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final against New Zealand and the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup final win over India in front of a full house.
Legacy and leadership
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt is set to lead her side at Lord’s, exactly 50 years after the historic women’s ODI between England and Australia at the venue. Her appearance continues the legacy established by pioneers such as Rachael Heyhoe Flint.
A defining moment for women’s cricket
Positioned immediately after the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, where Lord’s will host multiple matches including the final, the Test is expected to draw significant attention.
With more than 20,000 tickets already sold, the fixture reflects the rapid growth of women’s cricket and increasing fan engagement. As both teams prepare to compete in the longer format, the match offers a blend of tradition and renewed interest in red-ball cricket.
The occasion represents more than just a bilateral contest, marking a key milestone for the women’s game and reinforcing Lord’s status as a central venue for its continued progress.
