India Women’s historic triumph in the first-ever women’s Test at Lord’s was followed by an emotional farewell to England legends Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont, whose glittering international careers came to an end at the Home of Cricket. While India celebrated a memorable 270-run victory, the post-match scenes highlighted the spirit of sportsmanship as players from both sides came together to honour two icons of the women’s game.
The touching ceremony took place in the dressing room after the match. India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana presented former England captain Heather Knight with a signed India jersey featuring Knight’s name on the back, then shared a heartfelt embrace with her longtime rival. Moments later, Jemimah Rodrigues hugged Tammy Beaumont and handed her a jersey signed by the entire Indian squad as teammates applauded the England opener.
Addressing Beaumont during the presentation, Jemimah Rodrigues said, “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.”
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The tributes had begun much earlier in the Test match. Before Knight and Beaumont walked out to bat in their final innings for England, the Indian players formed a guard of honour, while teammates, opponents and spectators rose to applaud the duo. The emotional gesture reflected the immense respect both cricketers have earned through years of excellence and service to the game.
Adding to the occasion’s significance, batting legend Sachin Tendulkar met Knight and Beaumont during the match and congratulated them on their remarkable careers. The England stars later shared photographs with the Master Blaster, making their farewell Test even more memorable.
Wholesome moment as India present Tammy and Heather with a token of their appreciation 🤝 pic.twitter.com/GCNpMfDI4M
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 13, 2026
Knight retires after an outstanding 16-year international career, having represented England in more than 300 matches across formats. She captained the side from 2016 to 2025 and oversaw one of the most successful periods in England Women’s cricket. Her defining moment came at Lord’s in 2017 when she led England to a thrilling Women’s ODI World Cup triumph over India, becoming only the third England captain to lift the prestigious trophy.
Alongside her leadership, Knight accumulated over 7,000 international runs and established herself as one of England’s finest batters. Beaumont also leaves the international stage as one of England’s greatest opening batters. Since making her debut in 2009, the 34-year-old has scored more than 8,000 international runs and became England Women’s highest ODI century-maker with 12 hundreds.
Walking off as a legend of England Cricket ❤️
Heather Knight, what a career. pic.twitter.com/xJmunEJ1ud
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 12, 2026
Hear the thoughts of this incredible duo after their final England game 👇 pic.twitter.com/VTSugeOZMl
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 13, 2026
A cornerstone of England’s 2017 World Cup-winning side, Beaumont also joined an elite list of players to register international centuries in all three formats. While India will cherish its landmark Test victory at Lord’s for years to come, the emotional farewell to Knight and Beaumont added another unforgettable chapter to the occasion.
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The embraces shared by Mandhana and Rodrigues, the guard of honour from the Indian team, and Sachin Tendulkar’s personal congratulations served as powerful reminders that cricket’s greatest legacy lies not only in victories and records but also in the respect, friendships and memories created across generations.
