India captain Harmanpreet Kaur returns to pavilion with teammates after the end of play on the third day of the one-off Test cricket match between India and Australia, at the Wankhede Stadium, in Mumbai, Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. (PTI Photo/Shashank Parade)
The ‘home of cricket’ Lord’s will host its first-ever women’s Test to be played between India and England in 2026, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Thursday.
The ECB said on its website that after a three-match ODI series between India and England in July 2025, the former will return in 2026 for a one-off Test.
“I’m also delighted we can confirm that India Women will return in 2026 to take on England Women in the first-ever women’s Test match at Lord’s. It will be a truly special occasion, and one of real significance,” ECB CEO Richard Gould said.
India and England will play three ODIs on September 2, 4 and 7 at Headingley, Lord’s and Southampton respectively.
“It has also been confirmed that India Women will return in 2026 for a one-off Test match at Lord’s — the first-ever Women’s Test to be staged at the Home of Cricket,” the ECB added.
“England Women have played white-ball matches at Lord’s for the past three years, with another scheduled next year, but it will be the first time the ground has hosted a Women’s Test match.” India have played nine Tests so far against England in their backyard from June 1986 with their last clash at Bristol in June 2021 ending in a draw.
