India’s historic victory in the first-ever women’s Test at Lord’s was followed by touching tributes to retiring England greats Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont, bringing the curtain down on two glittering international careers. India beat England by 270 runs at the Home of Cricket, but the celebrations briefly gave way to heartfelt farewells for two players who have helped shape the modern women’s game.
The emotional scenes unfolded inside the dressing room after the match. Smriti Mandhana presented Knight with an India jersey bearing her own name on the back before sharing a warm embrace with the former England captain. Jemimah Rodrigues then hugged Beaumont as the Indian players applauded the opening batter, who also received a jersey signed by the entire squad.
“You know, cricket is all about making memories, and we as the Indian team just want to leave you with a small memory, on your last match for England. Congratulations and all the best for everything,” Jemimah said.
The tributes had begun much earlier during the Test, with the Indian players forming guard of honours for both Knight and Beaumont as they walked out to bat in their final appearances for England. The pair received a standing ovation from teammates, opponents and spectators at Lord’s, capping an emotional weekend at the iconic venue.
The occasion was made even more special by the presence of Sachin Tendulkar, who met Knight and Beaumont during the match and congratulated them on their remarkable contributions to the sport. The England duo later shared photographs with the batting legend, adding another cherished memory to their farewell match.
KNIGHT’S GLORIOUS REIGN AND 2017 WORLD CUP TRIUMPH
Knight retires as one of England’s most influential cricketers after a 16-year international career. She represented England in more than 300 matches across formats and captained the side from 2016 to 2025, overseeing one of the most successful periods in the team’s history.
Her finest moment came in 2017, when she led England to Women’s World Cup glory at Lord’s. In a dramatic final, England defeated India by nine runs in front of a packed crowd, with Knight becoming only the third England captain to lift the trophy.
Beyond her leadership, Knight established herself as one of England’s most dependable batters, scoring more than 7,000 international runs and playing a key role in England’s rise as a force in women’s cricket.
BEAUMONT BOWS OUT AFTER 17 YEARS
Beaumont, meanwhile, called time on a distinguished international career that began in 2009. One of England’s finest opening batters, the 34-year-old amassed more than 8,000 international runs and remains England Women’s leading ODI century-maker with 12 hundreds.
A key member of England’s 2017 World Cup-winning side under Knight, Beaumont became synonymous with consistency at the top of the order. She is also among a select group of England women cricketers to have scored international centuries in all three formats.
The retirements of Knight and Beaumont mark the end of an era for England women’s cricket, with both players leaving behind legacies that extend far beyond numbers and trophies.
For India, the victory at Lord’s will be remembered for its historic significance. But the images of Mandhana and Jemimah embracing Knight and Beaumont, along with the guard of honour and Tendulkar’s meeting with the duo, served as a reminder that cricket is ultimately about the memories and relationships forged along the way.
– Ends