England toil as India take control on day two of Lord's Test

England faces a daunting task to avoid defeat in the one-off Test at Lord's after India seized control on day two. Resuming their first innings at 21-1, England was dismissed for 170, conceding a first-innings lead of 115 runs to the tourists.

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England face an uphill battle to avoid defeat in the one-off Test at Lord's as India took control on day two.

On a day with improved batting conditions, India's batters capitalized. They closed at 154-1, establishing a formidable overall lead of 269. Smriti Mandhana continued her fine form, remaining unbeaten on 69, and shared an 88-run opening partnership with Shafali Verma, who contributed 33.

Earlier, India's bowler Kranti Gaud made history by becoming the first woman to earn a place on the Lord's honours board with figures of 5-37. Gaud dismantled England's top order, building on the wicket she took the previous evening. Despite resistance from captain Nat Sciver-Brunt (44) and Amy Jones (52), England's lower order collapsed, losing the last six wickets for just 39 runs.

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On another hot day and in improved batting conditions, India finished 154-1 - an ominous lead of 269 - as England's bowlers toiled and lacked wicket-taking threat on a flat surface.

With two days of favorable weather expected, India is in a strong position to bat England out of the game. While some turn was evident for spinners on day one, the pitch appeared easier for batting. England's decision to bowl first after winning the toss is now under scrutiny, especially given the heat.

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Earlier, Kranti Gaud made history as the first woman to earn her place on the Lord's Test honours board with a fine spell of 5-37 as England struggled against her disciplined accuracy.

India's disciplined bowling attack, led by the exceptionally talented 22-year-old Gaud, executed a simple yet effective game plan. England's batters struggled, with questions arising about general fatigue post-T20 World Cup or unfamiliarity with extended periods of batting. Only Alice Capsey could claim to have been dismissed by a truly unplayable delivery.

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With two more days of good weather expected, India have the chance to keep a tired England toiling and bat them out of the game on day three.