The Indian women’s cricket team has suffered a major setback ahead of a historic Test match at Lord’s Cricket Ground. Star batter Pratika Rawal has been ruled out of the upcoming Test against England due to injury concerns.

The match, scheduled from July 10 to July 13, will be a landmark moment as it will be the first-ever women’s Test match played at Lord’s, one of cricket’s most iconic venues.

Pratika Rawal Misses Historic Lord’s Opportunity

Indian women’s team head coach Amol Muzumdar confirmed during the pre-match press conference that Pratika Rawal will not be part of the playing squad for the historic fixture.

Her absence is a significant setback for India, as the young batter had been an important part of the team’s recent plans. Missing the chance to play at Lord’s is also a personal disappointment for Rawal.

To fill the gap, the selectors have brought in experienced batter Priya Punia as her replacement. Punia was part of the India A squad during the recent tour of England.

India’s Strong Record in Women’s Tests Against England

India have traditionally performed well in Test cricket against England.

So far, the two teams have played 14 women’s Test matches:

• India won: 3
• England won: 1
• Draws: 10

The last Test between the two sides was played in 2023, where India recorded a massive 347-run victory over England.

However, India’s last Test win on English soil came back in 2014, making the upcoming Lord’s contest another important challenge.

India Squad for Lord’s Test

Indian Women’s Team:
Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (Vice-captain), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Priya Punia, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Nandini Sharma, Harleen Deol, Renuka Singh Thakur, Kranti Goud, Sayali Satghare and Sneh Rana.

England Squad

England Women’s Team:
Nat Sciver-Brunt (Captain), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maya Boucher, Alice Capsey, Tilly Courtenay-Coleman, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Grace Potts, Ellie Threlkeld, Mady Villiers and Issy Wong.

With history waiting to be made at Lord’s, India will look to overcome the absence of Pratika Rawal and deliver a memorable performance in the first women’s Test at the iconic venue.