England have named a 15-player squad for their historic one-off Test against India at Lord’s, with Nat Sciver-Brunt set to captain the side in the first women’s Test ever staged at the iconic venue.
The match is scheduled to begin on July 10 and represents another landmark moment for women’s cricket in England.
Several members of the squad could create their own piece of history by making their Test or senior international debuts at one of the game’s most celebrated grounds.
Sciver-Brunt Named Captain
Sciver-Brunt has been included as captain despite suffering a calf injury during England’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign.
She is expected to make her 13th Test appearance if selected in the final XI.
Heather Knight remains the most experienced Test player in the squad and is in contention to play her 15th match in the format.
Their presence provides England with considerable experience as the team prepares to return to red-ball cricket.
Five Players Could Make Test Debuts
The squad combines established international players with several emerging talents.
Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman and Mady Villiers have all represented England in white-ball cricket but could make their Test debuts against India.
Grace Potts and Ellie Threlkeld are yet to appear for the senior England side in any format.
Their inclusion reflects England’s continued efforts to develop greater depth and provide younger players with opportunities at international level.
Clare Connor Highlights Historic Occasion
England Managing Director of Women’s Cricket Clare Connor believes the Test will be a memorable event for everyone involved.
“We have selected a strong Test squad under the leadership of Nat Sciver-Brunt for what will be another historic few days at Lord’s for women’s cricket,” Connor said.
The fixture comes during a period of considerable growth for women’s cricket in England.
Record crowds, expanded domestic competitions and increased media coverage have helped raise the profile of the women’s game in recent years.
Playing a women’s Test at Lord’s, widely known as the home of cricket, represents another major step in that progress.
Rare Opportunity In Women’s Test Cricket
Women’s Test matches remain far less frequent than white-ball internationals, making every opportunity to play the format particularly significant.
Connor highlighted the special challenge and prestige of representing England in Test cricket.
“Test cricket is a rare and wonderfully challenging experience in the women’s game and I know how proud our players are to represent England in this format.”
England last played a Test during the Women’s Ashes in Australia in January 2025, when they were defeated by the hosts at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The match against India will therefore provide the team with an opportunity to return to the longest format while also taking part in a historic first at Lord’s.
Players Set To Create Lord’s History
For the 11 players selected in the final team, the occasion will carry additional importance because of the venue’s place in cricket history.
Connor believes the experience will remain with the players throughout their careers.
“For the 11 women who will get the chance to be the first to enjoy that feeling at Lord’s, it will be a moment to savour.”
England’s squad includes an experienced core featuring Tammy Beaumont, Sophie Ecclestone, Amy Jones, Lauren Bell and Issy Wong.
Maia Bouchier, Emma Lamb and Lauren Filer have also retained their places, while the younger selections provide further competition and depth.
England Squad For India Test
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 and Issy Wong.
The historic match against India will give England the chance to return to Test cricket while opening a new chapter for the women’s game at Lord’s.
