Lord’s to Host First-Ever Women’s Test Match in 2026 with England vs. India Clash
London, 22nd August 2024: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has revealed that Lord’s will host its first-ever women’s Test match in 2026, featuring a clash between England and India. This announcement marks a historic first for the iconic London stadium, which has yet to host a women’s Test since the women’s game began in 1936. The ECB included this detail in their newly released international home schedule for 2025.
The ECB’s statement highlights that while Lord’s has previously held white-ball matches for the England women’s team, including games drawing up to 21,610 spectators, this will be the first Test match at the venue.
England women’s cricket legend Claire Taylor, who played 15 Tests for England but never at Lord’s, expressed her delight: “I’m thrilled for the players who will make history at this fixture. It’s a significant milestone for the game and will inspire young girls across the country.”
However, the 2025 season will not feature a home Test for the England women’s team for the second consecutive year. The West Indies men’s and women’s teams will visit for the white-ball series, including three T20 Internationals and three One-Day Internationals for each team.
The men’s team will host South Africa for white-ball matches in September and then travel to Ireland. England will also play a men’s Test against Zimbabwe, their first encounter with the team since 2003, at Trent Bridge starting May 22.
ECB chief executive Richard Gould emphasized the importance of supporting emerging Test-playing nations: “Welcoming Zimbabwe back for a Test match is a historic event and underscores our commitment to the global Test cricket community.”
Following the Zimbabwe Test, England will face India in five Tests starting June 20 at Headingley. The final Test of the series, ending August 4, will be England’s last before their Ashes series in Australia later in the year.
