Deepti Sharma 5-wicket haul puts India in commanding position against England

Despite England’s first innings wrapping up by tea and 51 overs remaining in the day, Harmanpreet Kaur and Co decided against enforcing the follow-on and got to 186/6 at stumps. It was a day that saw 19 wickets fall, leaving India with a lead of 478 runs – the biggest second-innings lead ever in a women’s Test.

India were dealt a setback before play began as Shubha Satheesh, who had impressed with a half-century on her international debut a day earlier, didn’t take the field after injuring her finger while warming up. The 24-year-old left-hander didn’t come out to bat in the second innings, raising doubts about her participation in the Test match against Australia which begins next week.

Having fielded for 94 overs on the opening day, England took just 63 balls to claim India’s last three wickets as Lauren Bell and Sophie Ecclestone returned with three-fors. However, not a lot went against the hosts from thereon as the visitors suffered a dramatic batting collapse.