3 hours ago
The calendar has finally, mercifully, turned over to August, which means we're ever closer to football season.
Sure, summer is fun — and so is the sun.
It's no football season, though.
The cool, crisp air on a Saturday morning in the fall, the smell of freshly cut grass, the long lines for the restroom (and food, and everything else) on the concourse at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
It takes you back — and you can't wait for those few fall months to return again.
#fall #rice #eccles #calendar
Sure, summer is fun — and so is the sun.
It's no football season, though.
The cool, crisp air on a Saturday morning in the fall, the smell of freshly cut grass, the long lines for the restroom (and food, and everything else) on the concourse at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
It takes you back — and you can't wait for those few fall months to return again.
#fall #rice #eccles #calendar
1 day ago
Three-time Commonwealth medallist Rosie Eccles has retired from boxing following defeat in Glasgow.
Eccles settled for bronze, to add to the gold and silver she won at previous Games, after a split-decision defeat in Friday's semi-final.
In an emotional interview after the narrow loss, the Welsh fighter confirmed she is hanging up her gloves before launching a verbal attack on "awful" people who tried to "end" her career.
"That's it for me now, I'm done," she told S4C.
"My heart's full but the tank is empty and I've got to accept that, otherwise I'll go on too long.
#glasgow #i 've #i 'll
Eccles settled for bronze, to add to the gold and silver she won at previous Games, after a split-decision defeat in Friday's semi-final.
In an emotional interview after the narrow loss, the Welsh fighter confirmed she is hanging up her gloves before launching a verbal attack on "awful" people who tried to "end" her career.
"That's it for me now, I'm done," she told S4C.
"My heart's full but the tank is empty and I've got to accept that, otherwise I'll go on too long.
#glasgow #i 've #i 'll
3 days ago
Wales have collected 15 medals so far at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with two gold, five silvers and eight bronze medals.
There are four more guaranteed medals after boxers Rosie Eccles, Owain Harris-Allan, Orlando Holley-Sotomi and Connor Williams reached Friday's semi-finals and will therefore win at least a bronze.
Wales' most successful Games were on the Gold Coast in 2018 where they won home 36 medals, including 10 golds, 12 silvers and 14 bronze, but the streamlined nature of this Glasgow event makes it difficult to compare.
The 2026 medals include six in swimming, four in athletics, three in artistic gymnastics, and one each in bowls and weightlifting.
The swimming relay podium position count as one medal per race but all the competitors who took part in the heat or finals of that event will be given a medal. That means 13 Welsh swimmers leave Glasgow with medals.
#silvers #four #finals
There are four more guaranteed medals after boxers Rosie Eccles, Owain Harris-Allan, Orlando Holley-Sotomi and Connor Williams reached Friday's semi-finals and will therefore win at least a bronze.
Wales' most successful Games were on the Gold Coast in 2018 where they won home 36 medals, including 10 golds, 12 silvers and 14 bronze, but the streamlined nature of this Glasgow event makes it difficult to compare.
The 2026 medals include six in swimming, four in athletics, three in artistic gymnastics, and one each in bowls and weightlifting.
The swimming relay podium position count as one medal per race but all the competitors who took part in the heat or finals of that event will be given a medal. That means 13 Welsh swimmers leave Glasgow with medals.
#silvers #four #finals
5 days ago
"For me this is very sentimental, it's about Wales, my people, my team and giving us all that one last little stab at something when it's a bit hard."
With two Commonwealth medals and an Olympic Games on the CV, Rosie Eccles would be forgiven for walking away from boxing after significant injury battles.
But this fighter doesn't do easy.
Having left the GB set up in March, Eccles is determined to complete her Commonwealth Games "trilogy" in Glasgow on a high as she targets a third medal.
The Caldicot light-middleweight, who turned 30 on the day she carried the Welsh flag at the opening ceremony in Glasgow, says she has "more fire than ever" as she aims to repeat her gold medal in Birmingham.
#medal #wales #march
With two Commonwealth medals and an Olympic Games on the CV, Rosie Eccles would be forgiven for walking away from boxing after significant injury battles.
But this fighter doesn't do easy.
Having left the GB set up in March, Eccles is determined to complete her Commonwealth Games "trilogy" in Glasgow on a high as she targets a third medal.
The Caldicot light-middleweight, who turned 30 on the day she carried the Welsh flag at the opening ceremony in Glasgow, says she has "more fire than ever" as she aims to repeat her gold medal in Birmingham.
#medal #wales #march
10 days ago
From the mountain range of Utah to the country roads of West Virginia and the bounce house in Orlando, the Big 12 has a wide arrange of stadiums that contribute to what makes college football so special.
Some of the most hallowed grounds in college football reside in the Big 12, with a great blend of history in stadiums more than a century old, to those that have struck fear in opponents the moment their feet touches the surface. Plus, the Big 12 may own the ****** le of having the most scenic backdrops that make for stunning visuals when taking in a game.
There is no correct way to rank stadiums, but there are several factors that go into them: tradition, aesthetics, gameday atmosphere and of course, home field advantage. Using a mix of it, this is where every Big 12 stadium ranks:
At 51,444 strong, Rice-Eccles Stadium stands alone as the best in the Big 12. Not only is it a picteresque stadium that hosted the 2002 Winter Olympic opening ceremonies, but it is a fearsome place to play for opponents. The Mighty Utah Student Section rocks the stands and its rare to have an empty seat. Utah is 47-13 at home since 2016, and somehow, the energy turns up if its a night game; the Utes are 29-6 under the lights in the past 10 seasons. All of it is why former Washington coach Chris Petersen said "it's what college football should be."
PROGRAM RANKINGS: Top 25 | Big Ten | SEC | ACC | Big 12
#home
Some of the most hallowed grounds in college football reside in the Big 12, with a great blend of history in stadiums more than a century old, to those that have struck fear in opponents the moment their feet touches the surface. Plus, the Big 12 may own the ****** le of having the most scenic backdrops that make for stunning visuals when taking in a game.
There is no correct way to rank stadiums, but there are several factors that go into them: tradition, aesthetics, gameday atmosphere and of course, home field advantage. Using a mix of it, this is where every Big 12 stadium ranks:
At 51,444 strong, Rice-Eccles Stadium stands alone as the best in the Big 12. Not only is it a picteresque stadium that hosted the 2002 Winter Olympic opening ceremonies, but it is a fearsome place to play for opponents. The Mighty Utah Student Section rocks the stands and its rare to have an empty seat. Utah is 47-13 at home since 2016, and somehow, the energy turns up if its a night game; the Utes are 29-6 under the lights in the past 10 seasons. All of it is why former Washington coach Chris Petersen said "it's what college football should be."
PROGRAM RANKINGS: Top 25 | Big Ten | SEC | ACC | Big 12
#home
10 days ago
Five-time Commonwealth champion bowler Alex Marshall and two-time judo champion Sarah Adlington will be Scotland's flagbearers at Thursday's Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in Glasgow.
With five golds, one silver and one bronze, Marshall is Scotland's most successful athlete at the Commonwealth Games while Adlington is chasing an unprecedented third judo gold at the Games.
England's flagbearers will be Sian Honnor, a four-time medalist in bowls, and swimmer Luke Greenbank.
Boxer Rosie Eccles, who turns 30 on the day of the ceremony, and bowler Daniel Salmon are Wales' flagbearers.
Northern Ireland's duo will be confirmed on Thursday.
#commonwealth #time #flagbearers #marshall
With five golds, one silver and one bronze, Marshall is Scotland's most successful athlete at the Commonwealth Games while Adlington is chasing an unprecedented third judo gold at the Games.
England's flagbearers will be Sian Honnor, a four-time medalist in bowls, and swimmer Luke Greenbank.
Boxer Rosie Eccles, who turns 30 on the day of the ceremony, and bowler Daniel Salmon are Wales' flagbearers.
Northern Ireland's duo will be confirmed on Thursday.
#commonwealth #time #flagbearers #marshall
20 days ago
England v India, one-off Test, Lord's
India 285 (Mandhana 83; Ecclestone 3-68) & 341-7 dec (Bhatia 113; Ecclestone 5-118)
England 170 (Jones 52; Gaud 5-37) & 186 (Jones 54; Rana 4-42)
India won by 270 runs
Scorecard
India 285 (Mandhana 83; Ecclestone 3-68) & 341-7 dec (Bhatia 113; Ecclestone 5-118)
England 170 (Jones 52; Gaud 5-37) & 186 (Jones 54; Rana 4-42)
India won by 270 runs
Scorecard
20 days ago
LAKE PLACID — As America continues to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its berth, the legacy of one of the nation’s greatest moments continues to be chronicled at a studio in Loveland, Colorado.
Sculptor Rob Eccleston has made significant progress on the "Monument to a Miracle" sculpture honoring a time when 20 U.S. hockey players shocked the world at the 1980 Olympic Winter Games in Lake Placid by defeating the heavily favored Soviet Union in the Miracle on Ice. The team, coached by Herb Brooks, then overcame Finland two days later to secure an improbable gold medal.
“When I presented the sketches to the team, they said it was really nice, but we really want it to be based on the photo of them on the podium because on our backs is USA, not our names,” Eccleston said. “It’s not about us as individuals. It’s about the team. And that spoke volumes to me. It made me more interested in doing the project than ever before because it showed the humility of these amazing hockey players.”
'ONE OF THE MOST COMPLEX SCULPTURES'
Eccleston’s work depicts all 20 players on the top rung of the Olympic podium at the medal ceremony.
Sculptor Rob Eccleston has made significant progress on the "Monument to a Miracle" sculpture honoring a time when 20 U.S. hockey players shocked the world at the 1980 Olympic Winter Games in Lake Placid by defeating the heavily favored Soviet Union in the Miracle on Ice. The team, coached by Herb Brooks, then overcame Finland two days later to secure an improbable gold medal.
“When I presented the sketches to the team, they said it was really nice, but we really want it to be based on the photo of them on the podium because on our backs is USA, not our names,” Eccleston said. “It’s not about us as individuals. It’s about the team. And that spoke volumes to me. It made me more interested in doing the project than ever before because it showed the humility of these amazing hockey players.”
'ONE OF THE MOST COMPLEX SCULPTURES'
Eccleston’s work depicts all 20 players on the top rung of the Olympic podium at the medal ceremony.
20 days ago
Yastika Bhatia on Sunday became the first woman to score a Test century at the Home of Cricket as India closed in on a famous victory over England in the historic first-ever Women’s Test at Lord’s.
While vice-captain Smriti Mandhana was unfortunate to be caught down the leg side off Lauren Bell for 70 (130b, 9x4, 1x6), the less-fancied left-hander Yastika produced a sublime maiden Test hundred, scoring 113 off 158 ****** with 14 fours, as India declared at 341 for seven shortly before tea.
The visitors set England a daunting target of 457.
England, who had been bowled out for 170 in their first innings, ended Day Three reeling at 130 for six, still needing 327 runs with only four wickets in hand.
India’s seamers once again led the charge. Kranti Gaud (2-40), fresh from her first-innings five for 37 that made her the first woman to claim a Test five-wicket haul at Lord’s, struck twice early. She bowled Tammy Beaumont for a firstball duck in the opener’s farewell Test before removing former captain Heather Knight (13), who was caught behind by Richa Ghosh after being given a guard of honour by the Indian players following her retirement announcement on Saturday.
Gaud has figures of seven for 77 in the match. Sayali Satghare (2-19) provided excellent support, trapping Maia Bouchier (2) lbw before claiming another wicket.
Earlier, Yastika produced an innings to remember.
Resuming on her overnight 39, the 25-year-old enjoyed an early reprieve when a Lauren Bell delivery clipped her leg stump without dislodging the bails. She responded immediately by driving Bell straight down the ground for four and soon completed her second Test fifty. Batting with elegance and ****** urance, the Baroda wicketkeeper unfurled crisp cover drives, authoritative pulls and deft late cuts while using her feet confidently against the spinners.
On 91, she struck back-to-back boundaries off Issy Wong before nudging a single to deep extra cover to bring up a landmark maiden Test century.
132358985
Brief scores: India 285 & 341/ 7 decl (Y Bhatia 113, S Mandhana 70, R Ghosh 50*, S Ecclestone 5/118) vs England: 170 & 130/6 (A Jones 52, S Satghare 2/19, K Gaud 2/40)
While vice-captain Smriti Mandhana was unfortunate to be caught down the leg side off Lauren Bell for 70 (130b, 9x4, 1x6), the less-fancied left-hander Yastika produced a sublime maiden Test hundred, scoring 113 off 158 ****** with 14 fours, as India declared at 341 for seven shortly before tea.
The visitors set England a daunting target of 457.
England, who had been bowled out for 170 in their first innings, ended Day Three reeling at 130 for six, still needing 327 runs with only four wickets in hand.
India’s seamers once again led the charge. Kranti Gaud (2-40), fresh from her first-innings five for 37 that made her the first woman to claim a Test five-wicket haul at Lord’s, struck twice early. She bowled Tammy Beaumont for a firstball duck in the opener’s farewell Test before removing former captain Heather Knight (13), who was caught behind by Richa Ghosh after being given a guard of honour by the Indian players following her retirement announcement on Saturday.
Gaud has figures of seven for 77 in the match. Sayali Satghare (2-19) provided excellent support, trapping Maia Bouchier (2) lbw before claiming another wicket.
Earlier, Yastika produced an innings to remember.
Resuming on her overnight 39, the 25-year-old enjoyed an early reprieve when a Lauren Bell delivery clipped her leg stump without dislodging the bails. She responded immediately by driving Bell straight down the ground for four and soon completed her second Test fifty. Batting with elegance and ****** urance, the Baroda wicketkeeper unfurled crisp cover drives, authoritative pulls and deft late cuts while using her feet confidently against the spinners.
On 91, she struck back-to-back boundaries off Issy Wong before nudging a single to deep extra cover to bring up a landmark maiden Test century.
132358985
Brief scores: India 285 & 341/ 7 decl (Y Bhatia 113, S Mandhana 70, R Ghosh 50*, S Ecclestone 5/118) vs England: 170 & 130/6 (A Jones 52, S Satghare 2/19, K Gaud 2/40)
20 days ago
India Women moved to the brink of a historic maiden Test victory at Lord's after a dominant third day, powered by Yastika Bhatia's record-breaking maiden century before the bowlers reduced England to 130/6 in pursuit of an improbable 457-run target.
With just four wickets separating them from scripting history at the Home of Cricket, Harmanpreet Kaur's side ended the day firmly in control despite a spirited lower-order resistance from Amy Jones and Mady Villiers.
Resuming Day 3 with a healthy first-innings lead, India continued to pile on the runs despite England enjoying a better opening session with the ball. Lauren Bell removed Smriti Mandhana (70) early before also dismissing Jemimah Rodrigues. Sophie Ecclestone then trapped Harmanpreet Kaur lbw as England briefly clawed their way back into the contest.
However, Yastika Bhatia remained unfazed. Displaying remarkable composure and elegant strokeplay, the left-hander brought up her maiden Test century to become the first-ever woman to score a Test hundred at Lord's. Her memorable knock of 113 off 158 ***** also became the highest score by an Indian woman in the third or fourth innings of a Test match.
England spinner Sophie Ecclestone fought tirelessly and completed her fourth five-wicket haul in Women's Tests, but lacked support from the other end as India continued to dominate.
Following Bhatia's departure, wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh injected fresh momentum into the innings with a brisk unbeaten 50 off 52 ***** , taking the attack to the England bowlers. With India's lead swelling beyond 450, captain Harmanpreet Kaur declared the innings at 341/7, leaving England with a mammoth 457-run target to survive or chase down.
India's bowlers wasted little time in tightening their grip on the contest.
Debutant Kranti Gaud and Sayali Satghare produced another outstanding new-ball spell, removing openers Tammy Beaumont and Maia Bouchier inside the opening four overs. Beaumont's dismissal also marked the end of her international career, while former captain Heather Knight, playing her final Test before retirement, was later dismissed by Kranti Gaud and received a touching guard of honour from the Indian team as she walked off.
England's problems deepened when Sneh Rana bowled Nat Sciver-Brunt with a beauty before Sayali breached Alice Capsey's defence, reducing the hosts to 59/5.
Just when India appeared set to wrap up the match on the third evening itself, Amy Jones and Mady Villiers mounted a determined fightback. The duo stitched together a resilient 67-run partnership, frustrating the Indian attack and briefly keeping England's hopes alive.
The stand was eventually broken in spectacular fashion as Richa Ghosh pulled off a stunning close-in catch at silly point to dismiss Villiers off Sneh Rana's bowling. Jones continued her resistance, bringing up a gritty half-century, but England still finished the day in deep trouble at 130/6, requiring another 327 runs with only four w
With just four wickets separating them from scripting history at the Home of Cricket, Harmanpreet Kaur's side ended the day firmly in control despite a spirited lower-order resistance from Amy Jones and Mady Villiers.
Resuming Day 3 with a healthy first-innings lead, India continued to pile on the runs despite England enjoying a better opening session with the ball. Lauren Bell removed Smriti Mandhana (70) early before also dismissing Jemimah Rodrigues. Sophie Ecclestone then trapped Harmanpreet Kaur lbw as England briefly clawed their way back into the contest.
However, Yastika Bhatia remained unfazed. Displaying remarkable composure and elegant strokeplay, the left-hander brought up her maiden Test century to become the first-ever woman to score a Test hundred at Lord's. Her memorable knock of 113 off 158 ***** also became the highest score by an Indian woman in the third or fourth innings of a Test match.
England spinner Sophie Ecclestone fought tirelessly and completed her fourth five-wicket haul in Women's Tests, but lacked support from the other end as India continued to dominate.
Following Bhatia's departure, wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh injected fresh momentum into the innings with a brisk unbeaten 50 off 52 ***** , taking the attack to the England bowlers. With India's lead swelling beyond 450, captain Harmanpreet Kaur declared the innings at 341/7, leaving England with a mammoth 457-run target to survive or chase down.
India's bowlers wasted little time in tightening their grip on the contest.
Debutant Kranti Gaud and Sayali Satghare produced another outstanding new-ball spell, removing openers Tammy Beaumont and Maia Bouchier inside the opening four overs. Beaumont's dismissal also marked the end of her international career, while former captain Heather Knight, playing her final Test before retirement, was later dismissed by Kranti Gaud and received a touching guard of honour from the Indian team as she walked off.
England's problems deepened when Sneh Rana bowled Nat Sciver-Brunt with a beauty before Sayali breached Alice Capsey's defence, reducing the hosts to 59/5.
Just when India appeared set to wrap up the match on the third evening itself, Amy Jones and Mady Villiers mounted a determined fightback. The duo stitched together a resilient 67-run partnership, frustrating the Indian attack and briefly keeping England's hopes alive.
The stand was eventually broken in spectacular fashion as Richa Ghosh pulled off a stunning close-in catch at silly point to dismiss Villiers off Sneh Rana's bowling. Jones continued her resistance, bringing up a gritty half-century, but England still finished the day in deep trouble at 130/6, requiring another 327 runs with only four w
21 days ago
Sheffield United and Chesterfield played out to a 0-0 draw in North Derbyshire on Saturday afternoon as the Blades continue to step up their efforts in pre-season.
Chris Wilder handed a debut for United's recent summer signing Romelle Donovan while Jamal Baptiste got another run out for the Blades.
Chesterfield: Hemming, Eccleston, Pong, Simpson, Gordon, Naylor, McEachran, Markanday, Trialist, Koroma, Bonis.
Subs: Mandeville, Stirk, ***** erfield, Sotiriou, Dunkley, Cook, Elliott, Whitney, Sissons, Wozniczka.
Blades: Cooper (Davies 45), Arblaster (Peck 60), Tanganga (McGuinness 70), Rothwell (Riedewald 60), Hamer (McGlinchey 60), Cannon (Marsh 60), Donovan (O'Hare 45), Burrows (McCallum 60), Baptiste, Seriki (Sachdev 80), Bamford (Campbell 60).
Chris Wilder handed a debut for United's recent summer signing Romelle Donovan while Jamal Baptiste got another run out for the Blades.
Chesterfield: Hemming, Eccleston, Pong, Simpson, Gordon, Naylor, McEachran, Markanday, Trialist, Koroma, Bonis.
Subs: Mandeville, Stirk, ***** erfield, Sotiriou, Dunkley, Cook, Elliott, Whitney, Sissons, Wozniczka.
Blades: Cooper (Davies 45), Arblaster (Peck 60), Tanganga (McGuinness 70), Rothwell (Riedewald 60), Hamer (McGlinchey 60), Cannon (Marsh 60), Donovan (O'Hare 45), Burrows (McCallum 60), Baptiste, Seriki (Sachdev 80), Bamford (Campbell 60).
21 days ago
Relive the 2026 Wimbledon women's final with live coverage on The Athletic
THE ALL ENGLAND CLUB, London — Linda Nosková beat Karolína Muchová 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 in a thrilling all-Czech Wimbledon final at the All England Club Saturday.
The No. 9 seed prevailed over the No. 10 seed in a match of ebbs and flows, ultimately decided by Nosková's dominance on serve and return, her initial ability to relieve pressure and the feel she has to go with her power — before she had to recover from the agony of losing five championship points to triumph in the third set.
It is Nosková's first Wimbledon ******* le and also her firstGrand Slam singles ******* le. The 21-year-old is the youngest Wimbledon women's champion since compatriot Petra Kvitová, who won the ******* le in 2011.
The Athletic's writers, Ava Wallace, Charlie Eccleshare and Matt Futterman, ******* yze the final and what it means for tennis.
THE ALL ENGLAND CLUB, London — Linda Nosková beat Karolína Muchová 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 in a thrilling all-Czech Wimbledon final at the All England Club Saturday.
The No. 9 seed prevailed over the No. 10 seed in a match of ebbs and flows, ultimately decided by Nosková's dominance on serve and return, her initial ability to relieve pressure and the feel she has to go with her power — before she had to recover from the agony of losing five championship points to triumph in the third set.
It is Nosková's first Wimbledon ******* le and also her firstGrand Slam singles ******* le. The 21-year-old is the youngest Wimbledon women's champion since compatriot Petra Kvitová, who won the ******* le in 2011.
The Athletic's writers, Ava Wallace, Charlie Eccleshare and Matt Futterman, ******* yze the final and what it means for tennis.
22 days ago
England v India, one-off Test, Lord's
India 285 (Mandhana 83; Ecclestone 3-68) & 154-1 (Mandhana 69*; Ecclestone 1-46)
England 170 (Jones 52; Gaud 5-37)
India lead by 269
Scorecard
India 285 (Mandhana 83; Ecclestone 3-68) & 154-1 (Mandhana 69*; Ecclestone 1-46)
England 170 (Jones 52; Gaud 5-37)
India lead by 269
Scorecard
22 days ago
Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana (83, 108b, 11x4, 1x6), captain Harmanpreet Kaur (58, 121b, 7x4) and seasoned allrounder Deepti Sharma (57, 87b, 7x4) struck resolute fifties as India posted 285 before pacer Kranti Gaud's early breakthrough left England at 21 for one on an engrossing opening day of the historic first-ever women's Test at Lord's.
After opting to bat, India looked set for a much bigger total at 190 for three but suffered a collapse, losing seven wickets for 95 runs.
England dominated the final session, taking the last four wickets for just 11 runs in 42 ***** . Leftarm spinner Sophie Ecclestone (368) finished with three wickets, including the final three, as India were bowled out in 74.5 overs.
India struck back late when pacer Kranti Gaud trapped opener Tammy Beaumont (2), playing the final Test of her career, lbw with a sharp inswinger. Gaud nearly dismissed Heather Knight too, but India declined a review that balltracking later showed would have hit the stumps. Maia Bouchier was unbeaten on 17 and Knight on one at stumps.
Earlier, England made the perfect start. Lauren Bell and Lauren Filer struck inside the opening seven overs, removing Shafali Verma for a duck and Yastika Bhatia (12). Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues (35) rebuilt with a brisk 64run stand before Rodrigues dragged Issy Wong onto her stumps.
Mandhana then combined with Harmanpreet in an 89-run fourthwicket partnership that steadied India after a shaky start. The lefthander played with characteristic fluency, peppering the off-side with elegant drives and also launching Ecclestone for six. However, she fell for 83, edging Wong behind while chasing a wide delivery.
Harmanpreet, under scrutiny after India's group-stage exit at the Women's T20 World Cup, responded with a patient half-century despite battling cramps. Soon after Mandhana's dismissal, she was undone by debutant off-spinner Mady Villiers, who picked up her maiden Test wicket with a delivery that drifted and turned through the gate.
Richa Ghosh (13) failed to make an impact, but Deepti's composed knock and a 46-run stand with Sneh Rana kept India afloat before another collapse ended the innings.
Brief Scores:
India 285 (Mandhana 83, Harmanpreet 58, Sharma 57) lead England 21-1 by 264 runs.
After opting to bat, India looked set for a much bigger total at 190 for three but suffered a collapse, losing seven wickets for 95 runs.
England dominated the final session, taking the last four wickets for just 11 runs in 42 ***** . Leftarm spinner Sophie Ecclestone (368) finished with three wickets, including the final three, as India were bowled out in 74.5 overs.
India struck back late when pacer Kranti Gaud trapped opener Tammy Beaumont (2), playing the final Test of her career, lbw with a sharp inswinger. Gaud nearly dismissed Heather Knight too, but India declined a review that balltracking later showed would have hit the stumps. Maia Bouchier was unbeaten on 17 and Knight on one at stumps.
Earlier, England made the perfect start. Lauren Bell and Lauren Filer struck inside the opening seven overs, removing Shafali Verma for a duck and Yastika Bhatia (12). Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues (35) rebuilt with a brisk 64run stand before Rodrigues dragged Issy Wong onto her stumps.
Mandhana then combined with Harmanpreet in an 89-run fourthwicket partnership that steadied India after a shaky start. The lefthander played with characteristic fluency, peppering the off-side with elegant drives and also launching Ecclestone for six. However, she fell for 83, edging Wong behind while chasing a wide delivery.
Harmanpreet, under scrutiny after India's group-stage exit at the Women's T20 World Cup, responded with a patient half-century despite battling cramps. Soon after Mandhana's dismissal, she was undone by debutant off-spinner Mady Villiers, who picked up her maiden Test wicket with a delivery that drifted and turned through the gate.
Richa Ghosh (13) failed to make an impact, but Deepti's composed knock and a 46-run stand with Sneh Rana kept India afloat before another collapse ended the innings.
Brief Scores:
India 285 (Mandhana 83, Harmanpreet 58, Sharma 57) lead England 21-1 by 264 runs.
22 days ago
England replying to India's 285
Bouchier edges Gaud behind in third over of day
One-off Test, Lord's, day two
Read more: Ecclestone breaks record - in front of those who paved the way
Bouchier falls early on day two as England reply to India's 285 at Lord's
Bouchier edges Gaud behind in third over of day
One-off Test, Lord's, day two
Read more: Ecclestone breaks record - in front of those who paved the way
Bouchier falls early on day two as England reply to India's 285 at Lord's
22 days ago
India and England shared the honours on an engrossing opening day of the historic first-ever women's Test at Lord's, with the visitors posting 285 before reducing England to 21/1 at stumps on Friday.
After England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt won the toss and chose to field, India appeared well placed for a much bigger total thanks to impressive half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma. However, a late collapse ensured England regained control before the close of play.
The hosts then negotiated 11 overs in fading light but lost opener Tammy Beaumont cheaply, leaving the match finely balanced heading into Day 2.
India endured a shaky start after losing Shafali Verma and Yastika Bhatia early, but Smriti Mandhana once again showcased her class with a fluent innings of 83 off 108 **** . The left-hander was positive from the outset, driving elegantly through the covers and punishing anything overpitched. She struck 11 fours and a six while stitching together crucial partnerships that helped India recover from the early setbacks.
Jemimah Rodrigues looked comfortable during her brief stay, adding a valuable stand with Mandhana before throwing away a promising start.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur then joined Mandhana to steady the innings with an important 89-run partnership. While Mandhana played the aggressor, Harmanpreet anchored the innings with a patient 58 off 121 deliveries, ensuring India remained in a commanding position through the afternoon session.
At 190/3, India looked set to cross the 350-run mark. But Mandhana's dismissal shifted the momentum dramatically.
England's spinners, led by Sophie Ecclestone, exploited the ageing ball brilliantly. Ecclestone extracted sharp turn and bounce to finish with 3/68, while debutant Mady Villiers made an immediate impact as India slipped from a position of strength.
With wickets falling regularly around her, Deepti Sharma produced a composed knock under pressure. The experienced all-rounder compiled a valuable 57 from 87 **** , striking seven boundaries and guiding India to a competitive 285 before becoming the last batter to fall in the 75th over.
England had only 11 overs to negotiate before stumps and suffered an early setback when Kranti Gaud dismissed Tammy Beaumont for just two. Maia Bouchier looked **** ured during her unbeaten 17, while captain Heather Knight remained unbeaten on one as England closed the day on 21/1, trailing India by 264 runs.
India: 285 all out in 74.5 overs (Smriti Mandhana 83, Harmanpreet Kaur 58, Deepti Sharma 57; Sophie Ecclestone 3/68, Issy Wong 2/41)
England: 21/1 in 11 overs (Maia Bouchier 17*, Heather Knight 1*; Kranti Gaud 1/8)
After England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt won the toss and chose to field, India appeared well placed for a much bigger total thanks to impressive half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma. However, a late collapse ensured England regained control before the close of play.
The hosts then negotiated 11 overs in fading light but lost opener Tammy Beaumont cheaply, leaving the match finely balanced heading into Day 2.
India endured a shaky start after losing Shafali Verma and Yastika Bhatia early, but Smriti Mandhana once again showcased her class with a fluent innings of 83 off 108 **** . The left-hander was positive from the outset, driving elegantly through the covers and punishing anything overpitched. She struck 11 fours and a six while stitching together crucial partnerships that helped India recover from the early setbacks.
Jemimah Rodrigues looked comfortable during her brief stay, adding a valuable stand with Mandhana before throwing away a promising start.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur then joined Mandhana to steady the innings with an important 89-run partnership. While Mandhana played the aggressor, Harmanpreet anchored the innings with a patient 58 off 121 deliveries, ensuring India remained in a commanding position through the afternoon session.
At 190/3, India looked set to cross the 350-run mark. But Mandhana's dismissal shifted the momentum dramatically.
England's spinners, led by Sophie Ecclestone, exploited the ageing ball brilliantly. Ecclestone extracted sharp turn and bounce to finish with 3/68, while debutant Mady Villiers made an immediate impact as India slipped from a position of strength.
With wickets falling regularly around her, Deepti Sharma produced a composed knock under pressure. The experienced all-rounder compiled a valuable 57 from 87 **** , striking seven boundaries and guiding India to a competitive 285 before becoming the last batter to fall in the 75th over.
England had only 11 overs to negotiate before stumps and suffered an early setback when Kranti Gaud dismissed Tammy Beaumont for just two. Maia Bouchier looked **** ured during her unbeaten 17, while captain Heather Knight remained unbeaten on one as England closed the day on 21/1, trailing India by 264 runs.
India: 285 all out in 74.5 overs (Smriti Mandhana 83, Harmanpreet Kaur 58, Deepti Sharma 57; Sophie Ecclestone 3/68, Issy Wong 2/41)
England: 21/1 in 11 overs (Maia Bouchier 17*, Heather Knight 1*; Kranti Gaud 1/8)
22 days ago
England v India, one-off Test, Lord's
India 285 (74.5 overs): Mandhana 83; Ecclestone 3-68
England 21-1 (11 overs): Bouchier 17*; Gaud 1-8
England trail by 264 runs
Scorecard
India 285 (74.5 overs): Mandhana 83; Ecclestone 3-68
England 21-1 (11 overs): Bouchier 17*; Gaud 1-8
England trail by 264 runs
Scorecard
1 month ago
England Women have announced a 15-player squad for their one-off Test against India, which will mark the team's historic maiden women's Test match at Lord's Cricket Ground. The squad includes five uncapped players as England prepares for the landmark fixture.
Star all-rounder Alice Capsey is expected to make her Test debut against India. The right-handed batter has already represented England in 89 limited-overs internationals and is among the most exciting young talents in the women's game. Cricketing prodigy Tilly Corteen-Coleman is also in contention for a place in the playing XI, while Durham all-rounder Mady Villiers, Grace Potts and Ellie Threlkeld are the other uncapped players named in the squad.
England's current T20 captain, Nat Sciver-Brunt, has been named to lead the side for the historic encounter. However, her availability remains subject to fitness as she leads the T20 squad from the sidelines in the ongoing T20 World Cup with a calf strain. The four-day Test is scheduled to begin on July 10, just four days after the World Cup final.
Emma Lamb and Issy Wong also remain in contention for selection. Meanwhile, Sophia Dunkley, Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Ryana MacDonald-Gay are among the notable omissions despite featuring in England's most recent Test appearance against Australia at the MCG during the 2024-25 Women's Ashes.
Tammy Beaumont is another notable inclusion in the squad. The 35-year-old has yet to feature for England in any format.
"We have selected a strong Test squad under the leadership of Nat Sciver-Brunt for what will be another historic few days at Lord's for women's cricket," Clare Connor, the ECB's managing director of women's cricket, said.
"Test cricket is a rare and wonderfully challenging experience in the women's game and I know how proud our players are to represent England in this format. For the 11 women who will get the chance to be the first to enjoy that feeling at Lord's, it will be a moment to savour," she added.
England Test squad: Nat Sciver-Brunt (C), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Grace Potts, Ellie Threlkeld, Mady Villiers, Issy Wong.
Star all-rounder Alice Capsey is expected to make her Test debut against India. The right-handed batter has already represented England in 89 limited-overs internationals and is among the most exciting young talents in the women's game. Cricketing prodigy Tilly Corteen-Coleman is also in contention for a place in the playing XI, while Durham all-rounder Mady Villiers, Grace Potts and Ellie Threlkeld are the other uncapped players named in the squad.
England's current T20 captain, Nat Sciver-Brunt, has been named to lead the side for the historic encounter. However, her availability remains subject to fitness as she leads the T20 squad from the sidelines in the ongoing T20 World Cup with a calf strain. The four-day Test is scheduled to begin on July 10, just four days after the World Cup final.
Emma Lamb and Issy Wong also remain in contention for selection. Meanwhile, Sophia Dunkley, Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Ryana MacDonald-Gay are among the notable omissions despite featuring in England's most recent Test appearance against Australia at the MCG during the 2024-25 Women's Ashes.
Tammy Beaumont is another notable inclusion in the squad. The 35-year-old has yet to feature for England in any format.
"We have selected a strong Test squad under the leadership of Nat Sciver-Brunt for what will be another historic few days at Lord's for women's cricket," Clare Connor, the ECB's managing director of women's cricket, said.
"Test cricket is a rare and wonderfully challenging experience in the women's game and I know how proud our players are to represent England in this format. For the 11 women who will get the chance to be the first to enjoy that feeling at Lord's, it will be a moment to savour," she added.
England Test squad: Nat Sciver-Brunt (C), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Grace Potts, Ellie Threlkeld, Mady Villiers, Issy Wong.
2 months ago
Ireland take 17 off final over to battle up to 118-9
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Women's T20 World Cup, Group 2
Ecclestone pick of England bowlers with 3-22
Unchanged England win delayed toss and field first
NZ on the brink after shock defeat by Sri Lanka
Women's T20 World Cup, Group 2
