Pratika Rawal Withdraws from Lord's Test Due to Knee Injury
India women's cricketer Pratika Rawal has been ruled out of the upcoming one-off Test against England at Lord's, scheduled to begin on July 10, 2026. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the development on July 8, stating that Rawal suffered a knee injury during a training session. The 24-year-old opening batter was part of the 15-member squad announced earlier for the historic match, which marks India's first women's Test at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground since 2006.
BCCI Names Priya Punia as Replacement
The BCCI named Priya Punia as Rawal's replacement. Punia, a 30-year-old right-handed batter from Delhi, has played 5 Tests, 30 ODIs, and 18 T20Is for India. She last featured in a Test match in December 2023 against Australia at the Wankhede Stadium, scoring 31 runs in the first innings. Her experience in English conditions, having played county cricket for Berkshire, is expected to bolster India's batting lineup. BCCI secretary Jay Shah said, "Priya Punia has been added to the squad as a replacement for Pratika Rawal, who is unavailable due to a knee injury. We wish Pratika a speedy recovery."
Historic Context of the Lord's Test
The one-off Test is part of a multi-format series between India and England, including three ODIs and three T20Is. This will be India's first women's Test at Lord's in 20 years; the previous match in 2006 ended in a draw. India's women's team has played only 4 Tests in the last decade, with the most recent being against Australia in December 2023. The match at Lord's is seen as a milestone for women's cricket in India, with BCCI aiming to promote the red-ball format. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed confidence in the squad, stating, "We are ready for the challenge. Lord's is a special venue, and we want to make history."
Impact on India's Playing XI
Rawal's absence leaves a gap at the top of the order. She had been in good form, scoring 89 runs in the recent ODI series against South Africa. With Punia likely to open alongside Smriti Mandhana, India's batting depth remains strong. The squad includes experienced players like Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh. The bowling attack features spinners Sneh Rana and Rajeshwari Gayakwad, along with pacers Renuka Singh and Meghna Singh. India will aim to secure their first Test win at Lord's, having never won a women's Test at the venue.
England Squad and Series Schedule
England, led by Heather Knight, announced a 14-member squad on July 1, featuring players like Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, and Danni Wyatt. The Test begins on July 10, followed by three ODIs (July 14, 17, 20) and three T20Is (July 23, 26, 29). The series is part of the ICC Women's Championship, with points at stake for the 2025 World Cup qualification. England have a strong record at Lord's, having won 4 of their last 5 women's Tests there.
Rawal's Career and Recovery
Pratika Rawal made her Test debut in December 2023 against Australia, scoring 23 and 15. She has played 8 ODIs and 12 T20Is for India, with a highest score of 102 in ODIs. The BCCI medical team is monitoring her recovery, and she is expected to return for the ODI series later in July. Fans and teammates have wished her a speedy recovery on social media.
