London: Yastika Bhatia joined compatriot Kranti Gowda on the Lord’s honors board with her maiden international century as India wrapped up a historic women’s Test win over England.
Bhatia’s century, coupled with another brilliant bowling performance by Gowt, saw England reeling at 130-6 to chase down a tough target of 457 at the end of the third day’s play.
The hosts still need 327 runs with just four wickets remaining on the final day.
Earlier, England spinner Sophie Ecclestone took 5-118 in 33.3 overs in India’s second innings to become the first England woman to enter the Lord’s Test bowling honours. It was his fourth five-wicket haul in Test cricket and he finished with match figures of 8-173 in 55.2 overs.
However, Ecclestone’s efforts were overshadowed by India’s dominant display as Gaut followed up her remarkable debut by dismissing both Tommy Beaumont and Heather Knight in their final international appearances.
Beaumont, who had announced his retirement before the match, was ducked on the very first ball as Goud turned to hit a fine delivery over the off-stump. Beaumont then left the field as the Indian players lined up and paid their respects.
Knight, who confirmed on Saturday that he too will retire after the tournament, was unable to write a memorable farewell. He was caught at short leg by Richa Ghosh for 13, handing Goud his second wicket of the innings.
Despite a sixth-wicket stand of 67 between Amy Jones and Maddy Villiers, Gowt, Sayali Sadkare and Chine Rana took two wickets apiece as the England batting collapsed. Jones delayed India’s celebrations with another half-century following his first-innings half-century.
Earlier in the day, Bhatia again produced an excellent innings with an unbeaten 39, with India already taking a commanding lead.
He reached his second Test half-century with a fluent straight drive off Lauren Bell before punishing Issy Wong with a series of fours. Bhatia hit 14 boundaries to complete his maiden international century in 145 balls, celebrating by punching the air after driving Wong through deep extra cover.
The century brought a memorable end to a mixed England tour for Bhatia. After knee surgery, he returned with a half-century in the inaugural T20I at Chelmsford and endured a quiet T20 World Cup campaign before producing his career-best Test innings at Lord’s.
Bhatia also survived an early scare when a bell delivery clipped the off-stump without clearing the bails.
Smriti Mandhana added just one run to her overnight 69 before Bell dismissed her with a sharp catch by wicketkeeper Amy Jones. Bell then removed Jemima Rodriguez before leaving the field with abdominal pain, ruling her out of the rest of India’s innings.
Ecclestone dropped skipper Harmanpreet Kaur lbw after England successfully reviewed the on-field decision. Bhatia dismissed Deepti Sharma in similar fashion before being caught at extra cover.
Left-arm spinner Sneh completed his five-wicket haul with a low delivery to Rana.
Richa Ghosh, who handed Bhatia the wicket-keeping responsibilities for the match, enjoyed an unbeaten run. He was dropped by Wong on 43, reaching his half-century with a single through the covers, prompting Harmanpreet to declare India’s innings.
India’s commanding all-round performance has left them within touching distance of a memorable Test win at Lord’s, with England facing the inevitable task of defeat on the final day.