Lord's Cricket Ground, the iconic home of cricket, is set to host its first-ever women's Test match starting July 10, 2026, a full 142 years after the venue staged the first men's international Test in 1884. The historic fixture sees England Women take on India Women, marking a significant milestone in the sport's long and storied history.
Historic First at the Home of Cricket
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which owns Lord's, confirmed the landmark event, which has been eagerly anticipated by players and fans alike. While the first international women's match was played in 1976—a One Day International (ODI) between England and Australia—Lord's did not host a women's game until the 1987 World Cup, when it staged a limited-overs match. This Test, however, is the first time the ground will host a women's multi-day international.
England captain Heather Knight expressed her pride ahead of the match: "It's an incredible moment for women's cricket. Lord's is the home of cricket, and to lead the team out here in a Test match is something I never dreamed of as a child. It shows how far the women's game has come."
Milestone for Women's Cricket
The match is part of a broader push to increase the profile of women's Test cricket, which has been sporadic compared to the men's format. India Women, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, are also making history as they play their first Test at Lord's. Kaur said: "This is a special occasion for our team. Lord's is a venue every cricketer dreams of playing at, and to do so in a Test match is a privilege."
The fixture comes after years of advocacy by players and administrators for more women's Test matches. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has committed to scheduling more women's Tests in the future, with this match seen as a key step in that direction.
Looking Ahead
Fans have snapped up tickets for the four-day Test, which is expected to draw large crowds. The match also features a special commemorative logo and events to celebrate the occasion. The MCC has announced that the women's Test will become a regular feature at Lord's, with plans to host at least one such match every two years.
As the players take the field on Friday, the historic moment will resonate beyond the boundary, symbolizing the growing equality in cricket and the enduring legacy of Lord's as a venue for all.
