Smriti Mandhana etched her name in the record books on Wednesday, July 10, 2026, becoming the fastest Indian woman to reach 1,000 runs in Test cricket. The left-handed opener achieved the milestone during the one-off Test match against England at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Mandhana reached the landmark in her 12th Test innings, surpassing the previous record held by former captain Mithali Raj, who took 16 innings to reach the mark.
Record-Breaking Performance
Mandhana, 29, entered the match needing just 57 runs to complete 1,000 Test runs. She achieved the feat with a boundary off England spinner Sophie Ecclestone in the first innings. The Indian vice-captain played a fluent knock of 78 runs off 112 balls, including 12 fours and a six, before being dismissed by Ecclestone. Her innings helped India post a commanding total of 345 for 5 declared in the first innings.
According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Mandhana's average in Test cricket now stands at an impressive 58.82, with two centuries and six half-centuries to her name. She becomes only the fifth Indian woman to cross the 1,000-run mark in Tests, joining the likes of Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, Anjum Chopra, and Shantha Rangaswamy. Raj remains the leading run-scorer for India in Tests with 2,368 runs.
Mandhana's Test Career So Far
Mandhana made her Test debut in 2014 against England at Wormsley and scored a memorable 22 runs in her first innings. She scored her maiden Test century in 2021 against Australia in Carrara, where she made 127 runs. Her second Test hundred came against England in 2023 at the same venue, where she scored 127 runs again. The left-hander has been a consistent performer for India across all formats, but her Test record has been particularly outstanding in recent years.
Speaking after the day's play, Mandhana said, "It feels great to achieve this milestone, but my focus remains on contributing to the team's success. The pitch is good for batting, and we want to put pressure on England by setting a big total." India's head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar praised Mandhana's consistency, stating, "Smriti has worked hard on her game, and her record in Tests is a testament to her skill and temperament."
Match Situation
At the close of play on Day 2, England were 89 for 3 in their first innings, trailing India by 256 runs. Spinners Deepti Sharma and Rajeshwari Gayakwad took two wickets each to put India in a commanding position. The one-off Test is part of India's preparations for the upcoming Women's Championship, which will serve as a qualifier for the 2027 Women's World Cup. India have not lost a Test match at home since 2014, and they will look to continue that streak against England.
The match has attracted significant attention, with the BCCI promoting women's Test cricket through increased investment and scheduling. India have played only five Tests since 2021, winning three and drawing two. Mandhana's record feat adds to the growing momentum of women's cricket in the country.
