Lord’s is set to host its first-ever women’s Test match in 2026, marking 50 years since Rachael Heyhoe Flint first led out an England Women’s team at the ground.
As part of a busy 2025 season at Lord’s, India and England will make history by playing the first-ever women’s Test match at the London ground.
Richard Gould, Chief Executive Officer of the ECB, commented: “I’m delighted we can confirm that India Women will take on England Women in the first ever women’s Test match at Lord’s. It will be a truly special occasion, and one of real significance for the game.”
The announcement follows the setting of a new record crowd for a women’s Hundreds game during Sunday’s final at Lord’s, breaking England’s bilateral attendance record for a home women’s fixture against Australia last year.
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has stated that it is thrilled to host a women’s Test, marking a historic moment for the club and ground.
Claire Taylor, Chair of MCC Cricket committee and former England player, said: “I played 15 Tests for England during my career, but none of those were at Lord’s, so I’m delighted at this news and most importantly for the players who’ll make history playing in this fixture in 2026.
“Young girls playing up and down the country can now aspire to play Test match cricket at the Home of Cricket. It is a clear demonstration that cricket is a game for all.”
Women’s cricket is steadily growing, supported by clubs like the MCC and bolstered by the UK government’s recent £35m initiative aimed at improving grassroots cricket facilities and increasing access to the sport in state schools.
Guy Lavender, Chief Executive and Secretary of MCC, stated: “We are thrilled that for the first time, Lord’s will stage a women’s Test match. Women’s cricket is one of the fastest growing sports worldwide and the Club is proud to support this growth.
“From being one of the first clubs to invest in a Head of Women’s Cricket role in 2017, to honouring the birthplace of the Women’s Ashes in a formal plaque ceremony in the Harris Garden in 2023, championing and supporting the advancement of women’s and girls’ cricket is a priority for MCC.”
