London, Jul 13 – Six months ago, Yastika Bhatia could scarcely have imagined that she would become the first female cricketer to score a Test century at cricket’s historic home, Lord’s. That was Sunday, July 12, when the 25‑year‑old Baroda wicket‑keeper batter returned from a career‑threatening knee injury to compile 113 off 158 in the second innings against England Women, propelling India to a 457‑run target before tea on day three.
Bhatia, batting at number three, struck the landmark score before India declared at 341/7, setting England back to chase 457. “It feels unbelievable to be the first woman to score a century at Lord’s,” she remarked after the third day. “I didn’t even think about a century; my focus was simply to help the team win.”
The Gujarat‑born cricketer, who had her ACL torn in October last year and missed India’s triumphant ODI World Cup campaign, began recovery after surgery, facing two months of total rest that left her leg muscles atrophied. She credits her family, coaches, the BCCI Centre of Excellence and teammates for their unwavering support, noting that “the love for the game and belief in oneself” were vital to her comeback.
Her record‑setting knock comes at the dawn of what she believes is just the beginning of an illustrious career. “The best is yet to come, and I am looking forward to proving myself further,” she added.
During the match, England were 130/6 in 40 overs at the stumps on day 3, still requiring 327 more runs to win, with Amy Jones on 52* and Sophie Ecclestone on 1*.
