IND vs ENG, One-Off Test: Jemimah, Shubha Slam Fifties on Debut As India Women Post 410/7 on Day 1

Mumbai: In a commanding display on Day 1 of their one-off women’s Test against England, India reached a formidable 410 for 7 at stumps at the DY Patil Stadium. Debutants Shubha Satheesh and Jemimah Rodrigues stood out with impressive half-centuries. Shubha, scoring a brisk 69 with 13 boundaries, became the 12th Indian batter to achieve a fifty on debut. Jemimah, contributing a valuable 68, showcased her skill with 11 fours.

Their partnership of 115 runs for the third wicket set the tone for India’s dominance, marking the second-highest in Test cricket for this position. While Shubha fell short of a century, caught by Nat Sciver-Brunt off Sophie Ecclestone, Jemimah’s innings was cut short when she played onto her stumps off Lauren Bell.

India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and Yastika Bhatia added 116 runs for the fifth wicket, the second-highest stand for India in the format. Despite Harmanpreet’s dismissal at 49 due to an unfortunate bat-stuck incident, Yastika’s fluent play, scoring 66 with 10 fours and a six, boosted India’s total. Lauren Bell’s drop at mid-on off Charlie Dean allowed Yastika to continue her innings.

Deepti Sharma (60) and Sneh Rana (30) further extended India’s lead with a 92-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Despite England bowling 94 out of a possible 100 overs, they struggled to create breakthroughs, with edges flying past fielders and unsuccessful DRS calls.

Earlier, Indian openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma made confident starts but fell within the first 10 overs. Mandhana, scoring 17 off 12 balls, chopped one onto her leg stump, while Shafali, with 19 off 30 balls, lost her off-stump to a delivery that nipped away from Kate Cross.

The day showcased India’s aggressive approach and solid partnerships, leaving them in a commanding position heading into Day 2.