Kranti Gaud becomes first woman on Lord's Test honours board after historic five-for

India pacer Kranti Gaud became the first woman to have her name etched on the Lord's Test honours board after producing a match-defining spell of 5/37 against England in the one-off Test on Saturday.

The 22-year-old's career-best Test figures helped bowl out England for 170, handing India a commanding 115-run first-innings lead at the iconic venue.

By stumps on Day 2, India had tightened their grip on the contest, reaching 154/1 in their second innings to extend their overall lead to 269 runs, with Smriti Mandhana unbeaten on 69.


"It's a completely different feeling for me. I am very proud to be the first woman to get my name on the Lord's Honours Board. It's a proud moment for my family," Gaud said after the day's play.

Gaud said she had dreamt of taking a five-wicket haul at Lord's and earning a place on the historic honours board.

"Every player dreams of taking a five-wicket haul. It's the first time we are playing at Lord's, so I was thinking if I can take five wickets and get my name on the board and also take wickets for the team and help it win," she said.

Her fifth wicket came after Shafali Verma completed a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Lauren Bell after Sneh Rana got a hand to the edged ball at slip.

"Whatever happens, happens for the good. I had this feeling today that I would take five wickets. She (Sneh Rana at first slip) really put in a lot of effort to take the catch. When she couldn't hold on to it, Shafali gave it her 100 per cent.

"...the catch went up and there was a fumble. I lost sight of the ball, but then it looked like Shafali had taken the catch. I was about to celebrate my five-wicket haul, but my teammates told me to wait for the replay and the decision.

"The feeling is very special. Of course, I have taken a five-wicket haul before (in an ODI), but this is my first five-wicket haul in a Test match. I want to do even better now, and I feel I can achieve even more," she said.

Gaud credited the seam-friendly conditions in England for her success.

"The wickets in England have suited me really well. Last year too, I took six wickets here. The pitches help fast bowlers, so my main focus was on maintaining the right line and length, and letting the ball do the rest," she said.

She said the wicket of England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, who made 44, was the most satisfying of the innings.

"The captain's wicket after lunch was the most special because she was building a good partnership. We were finding it difficult to make inroads, but that breakthrough after lunch was very important," Gaud said.

(With inputs from AP)