
History Set To Be Made! Lord's To Host First-Ever Women's Test In 2026
Lord's Cricket Ground will make history in 2026 by hosting a women's Test match for the first time, as England take on India in what promises to be a landmark fixture in the women's game.
The match is scheduled to take place from July 10 to 13 and will be part of a packed international summer that also includes England hosting the ICC Women's T20 World Cup for the first time since 2009.
The global tournament will run from June 12 to July 15 and is expected to draw significant attention to women's cricket on home soil.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced the full 2026 home schedule for both men's and women's teams on Thursday, highlighting a summer filled with high-profile series and iconic venues.
Nat Sciver-Brunt will lead England Women through a busy season featuring white-ball series against New Zealand, India, and Ireland, as well as the historic red-ball Test against India at Lord's.
A Milestone for Women's Cricket
'We're really excited to unveil what promises to be a spectacular summer of international cricket in 2026," said ECB Chief Executive Officer Richard Gould. 'With world-class opposition visiting iconic venues across the country, fans will have the chance to witness the very best of the men's and women's game."
'The highlight of the summer will undoubtedly be the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, hosted here in England for the first time since 2009. It's a huge moment for the women's game, for Nat Sciver-Brunt and her team, and it's a fantastic opportunity to inspire the next generation of players and fans. And just after that, we're thrilled that Lord's will also host an England Women's Test match for the first time, marking a really special period for the women's game."
Test Cricket Returns After 2023 Defeat
England Women last played a home Test in 2023, suffering a five-day defeat to Australia at Trent Bridge. The 2026 Test against India at Lord's will revert to the traditional four-day format used in women's cricket.
In addition to the marquee Test, England Women will play white-ball series against New Zealand, India, and Ireland throughout the summer.
(with agency inputs)
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First Published:
July 24, 2025, 18:28 IST
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