The early exit from the T20 World Cup gave India extra time to prepare for the red-ball contest at the iconic venue, 142 years after the first men’s Test was played at the “Home of Cricket”.

The Indian team trained at the picturesque Wormsley Cricket Ground ahead of their second Test of the year, having last played a red-ball match in Australia in March.

India likely to retain opening pair

Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Varma are expected to continue as India’s opening pair after doing the job in the previous Test against Australia.

Priya Punia has been added to the squad as a replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal, who batted at No. 3 during India’s 10-wicket defeat in Australia.

India also have the chance to hand Test debuts to Harleen Deol, in-form spinner Sree Charani and pacer Nandni Sharma.

Strong record against England

Although women’s Tests are rare, India have enjoyed success against England in the longest format.

India have won three of their last four Tests against England and remain unbeaten in England, with two wins and seven draws.

Squads

India: Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Shafali Varma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Sree Charani, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Nandni Sharma, Harleen Deol, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Sneh Rana, Priya Punia.

England: Nat Sciver-Brunt (captain), 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.