England are gearing up for the historic first-ever Women’s Test at Lord’s against India from July 10 to 13. The hosts head into the contest after their disappointing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final defeat to Australia at the same venue on July 5. However, during their training session at the Nursery Ground on July 8, Nat Sciver-Brunt’s side looked ready to put that disappointment behind them and turn their attention to the next challenge.
The session was intense, with every player going through their respective routines. While the batters and bowlers were busy fine-tuning their skills, one aspect stood out, England’s extended practice against left-arm orthodox spin.
Three nets were in use throughout the session. In one of them, wicketkeeper-batter Amy Jones faced young left-arm orthodox spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman. In the middle net, Alice Capsey batted against Issy Wong and Lauren Filer before taking on Sophie Ecclestone and two left-arm orthodox net bowlers. In another net, skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt looked completely focused as she faced a left-arm orthodox net bowler before finishing her session with throwdowns from a member of the support staff.
That extended focus on left-arm spin suggested England could already be preparing for India’s N Sree Charani.
Given her rapid rise and current form, Charani is widely expected to make her Test debut at Lord’s. The young spinner finished the recently concluded Women’s T20 World Cup as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, claiming 14 wickets in five innings despite India being knocked out in the group stage. Her variations in pace and ability to adapt to different conditions make her a genuine threat.
Although this is likely to be her first Test against England, Charani has already troubled the hosts in white-ball cricket. In ODIs, she has dismissed Capsey three times, while Jones and Heather Knight have fallen to her twice each. Sciver-Brunt has also been dismissed by Charani in both ODIs and T20Is.
The numbers from the recent Women’s T20 World Cup at Lord’s further justify England’s approach. Across the four matches played at the venue, spinners claimed 21 wickets compared to 12 for the seamers. With the current weather also expected to assist the slower bowlers, England appeared keen to prepare thoroughly for India’s spin attack, with Charani expected to play a leading role.
Meanwhile, ahead of the practice session, veteran batter Tammy Beaumont announced that the upcoming Test would be the final match of her international career. Despite the emotional announcement, Beaumont put in an extended fielding session, working on close-in catches at short leg. It reflected her determination to contribute until the very end as she prepares to bring the curtain down on an outstanding international career.
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