India Women are eager to achieve another crucial milestone after dismantling England as they prepare for a crucial one-off Test against Australia, beginning on December 21.
India have never won against Australia in any of their 10 Tests, whether at home or away, spanning over 46 years. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side recognises this as a golden opportunity, especially considering they are playing on a pitch expected to favour spinners.
The Indian spin-bowling attack, led by Deepti Sharma, displayed an impressive performance against England, helping in securing a massive 347-run victory at the DY Patil Stadium last week. This win stands as the biggest in terms of runs in women's Test history, and the team aims to replicate this strong performance against Australia.
However, India's bowling unit boasts more than just Deepti’s skills.
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Renuka Singh Thakur is gaining recognition for making early breakthroughs with the new ball since her return from injury, and fellow-pacer Pooja Vastrakar demonstrated her form with a three-wicket burst against England.
India's batting lineup also appears solid, with Harmanpreet (49 and 44 not out), Jemimah Rodrigues (68), and Yastika Bhatia (66) making significant contributions against England.
However, India hope for opener Smriti Mandhana to make a substantial impact with a big innings at the Wankhede Stadium against Australia.
But India might miss the services of left-handed batter Shubha Satheesh, who suffered a dislocation and hairline fracture following a remarkable debut fifty against England. Priya Punia has been included in the Indian squad as a cover, but Harleen Deol, who had an extended nets session on December 19, could get the nod.
Australia are back to playing Test cricket in India after almost 40 years, stepping into the unknown. The challenge seems uphill for newly-appointed skipper Alyssa Healy and her side. Interestingly, the Wankhede Stadium is the venue where India and Australia last contested a women's Test on Indian soil in February 1984.
The last Test match between India and Australia took place two years ago. In that match, Smriti's first-innings 127 contributed to India securing a draw.
Alyssa, now leading Australia, face a significant challenge as she begins her captaincy tenure with a Test against India on their home turf. The Australian team boasts a wealth of all-rounders, including Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, and Tahlia McGrath.
Australia will rely on their experience in white-ball cricket in India, including participation in the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) earlier this year. However, playing red-ball cricket on slow-turning pitches can be a challenging task for any visiting side.
Squads:
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Richa Ghosh (wk), Sneh Rana, Shubha Satheesh, Harleen Deol, Saika Ishaque, Renuka Singh Thakur, Titas Sadhu, Meghna Singh, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Pooja Vastrakar
Australia: Darcie Brown, Lauren Cheatle, Heather Graham, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alyssa Healy (C & WK), Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney (wk), Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham.
(Powered by AI, Inputs by PTI)
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