The historic, one-off Test match between England Women and India Women at Lord’s has reached a thrilling crescendo. Entering Day 3 of this monumental encounter, which commenced on July 10, 2026, the visitors put on a clinic of resilience and tactical supremacy. Facing a mountainous target, England’s batting lineup found itself severely tested by a relentless Indian bowling attack, setting the stage for a dramatic race to the finish line at the Home of Cricket.
Richa Ghosh takes a sensational catch to dismiss Mady Villiers on Day 3 at Lord’s
The defining moment of Day 3 arrived in the 37th over of England’s second innings, providing a visual spectacle that will be replayed for years. Off-spinner Sneh Rana bowled a full delivery to Mady Villiers, who timed a full-blooded drive with absolute conviction. Stationed at silly mid-off, Richa Ghosh, playing without her usual wicketkeeping gloves, showed spectacular reflexes.
Staying low to the turf with remarkably soft hands, Ghosh reacted in a split second as the ball melted into her palms at knee height. Villiers stood frozen at the crease in utter disbelief before beginning her long walk back to the pavilion after a resilient 26 off 63 balls. Ghosh was seen wringing out her fingers immediately afterward, acknowledging the sheer sting of the strike. This breathtaking reflex catch effectively broke a grinding 67-run sixth-wicket partnership, shifting the momentum completely back to India.
Here’s the video:
Greatest catch in the history of cricket, because it was taken by Don Richa…..RG13… nobody is near us.. pic.twitter.com/RlnIYCDF8u
— Picasso (@6icasso) July 12, 2026
Also READ: Yastika Bhatia’s maiden Test century puts India on the brink of a historic win against England on Day 3 at Lord’s
India take firm control and move closer to a historic win over England at Lord’s
India’s dominance in this Test match has been systematically built on high-calibre performances across all departments. After posting 285 in their first innings, anchored by vice-captain Smriti Mandhana’s elegant 83 and half-centuries from Harmanpreet Kaur (58) and Deepti Sharma (57), India’s bowlers bundled England out for a mere 170. Medium-pacer Kranti Gaud was the destroyer-in-chief, ripping through the English top order to register magnificent figures of 5 for 37.
Boasting a 115-run first-innings lead, India stepped on the accelerator in their second dig. A masterclass from opener Mandhana (70) and a spectacular, gritty century from wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia (113 off 158 balls) propelled India forward. A brisk, unbeaten 50 off 52 deliveries from Richa Ghosh allowed captain Harmanpreet to declare at a commanding 341 for 7, setting England an unprecedented target of 457 runs.
England’s pursuit started disastrously, collapsing to 59 for 5 as Sayali Satghare and Gaud struck early, removing top stars like Tammy Beaumont for a duck and captain Heather Knight for 13. While wicketkeeper Amy Jones stood tall with a defiant, unbeaten 52, Rana’s dismissal of Villiers left England reeling at 130 for 6 at stumps. With England still needing 327 runs and India just four wickets away from capturing a legendary victory at Lord’s, the visitors hold all the cards heading into the final day.
Also READ: Kranti Goud claims a five-wicket haul to put India in control against England on Day 2 at Lord’s
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.