Twitter Reactions: Middle-order stands tall as India women establish dominance against England on Day 1

The one-off Test between Indian women and England women saw both sides take centre stage at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai from December 14. The clash began with India women coming in to bat first after winning the toss. 

The Indian team got off to a horrid start as both openers were sent back to the pavilion quite early into their innings. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma were dismissed for just 17 and 19 runs, respectively.

However, the knocks of Satheesh Shubha and Jemimah Rodrigues stabilized the innings for India women. Shubha scored 69 runs in 76 deliveries, with Rodrigues adding 68 runs in 99 deliveries. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur added 49 runs to the board as well, but she fell to an unfortunate runout.

Yastika Bhatia further scored 66 runs in 88 deliveries. Sneh Rana’s partnership with Deepti Sharma helped the Indians maintain their composure as Rana amassed 30 runs in 73 deliveries. Having lost seven wickets on Day 1, the Indian team maintained a dominant position in the only Test. The first day of the clash ended with Deepti Sharma and Pooja Vastrakar on the crease.

As for England women, Lauren Bell ended the day being the highest wicket-taker with two wickets to her name. She dismissed Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues. Furthermore, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, and Sophie Ecclestone took one wicket each as well.

Day 1 of the only Test ended with the Indian team posting 410 runs on the board with the loss of seven wickets. Having batted throughout the day, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side will be heavily benefitted from their performances, and they will look to post an even bigger total on Day 2 of the clash. 

As it approaches, England women will be keen on dismissing the remaining Indian batters as fast as possible and going out to bat. 

Let us have a look at how Twitter reacted to Day 1 of the only Test between India and England women: