Australia made an impressive start in the one-off pink-ball Test against India women’s national cricket team at the WACA Ground in Perth, bowling India out for 198 before reaching 96/3 at the end of Day 1. The hosts now trail by 102 runs but will feel confident after a disciplined bowling display followed by a composed response under challenging conditions.
The match also carries emotional significance for Alyssa Healy, who is playing her final international game for Australia women’s national cricket team. The experienced wicketkeeper-batter has been a key figure in Australian cricket for over a decade, and the team will be eager to send her off with a memorable performance.
Australian Pacers Dominate with the Pink Ball
After winning the toss and choosing to bowl first, Australia immediately made use of the pace and bounce available on the Perth surface. The pink ball assisted the seamers, who maintained relentless pressure on the Indian batting lineup throughout the day.
All-rounder Annabel Sutherland led the attack brilliantly, finishing with impressive figures of 4 for 46. She consistently exploited the conditions with accurate seam movement and disciplined lengths that troubled India’s middle order.
Equally impressive was 19-year-old debutant Lucy Hamilton, who made an immediate impact in her first international appearance. The left-arm pacer claimed three wickets for 31 runs, showcasing excellent control and composure for such a young player on debut.
India Struggle to Build Partnerships
India’s innings never quite gained momentum after an early setback. Star opener Smriti Mandhana was dismissed for just four runs when Hamilton bowled her with a delivery that jagged back sharply.
Shafali Verma tried to counterattack and briefly lifted the scoring rate. She struck six boundaries in a 48-ball knock of 35 and looked comfortable during her stay at the crease. However, just as she appeared set to build a significant innings, she edged a delivery from Sutherland behind to the wicketkeeper.
Debutant Pratika Rawal showed glimpses of promise with a quick 18, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur managed 19 runs. Unfortunately for India, neither batter could convert their starts into a substantial score as the Australian attack maintained control.
Jemimah Rodrigues Anchors the Innings
The standout performer for India was Jemimah Rodrigues, who played a calm and composed knock of 52 runs. With wickets falling regularly around her, Rodrigues held the innings together and ensured India remained competitive.
She shared a crucial 43-run partnership with wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who contributed 11 runs. The partnership helped stabilize the innings after early setbacks and briefly shifted momentum back towards the visitors.
However, Rodrigues’ dismissal triggered a sudden collapse. India lost three wickets for just seven runs, undoing much of the rebuilding work and allowing Australia to tighten their grip on the match.
Late Resistance Pushes India Near 200
Despite the collapse, debutant Kashvee Gautam provided valuable resistance lower down the order. She remained unbeaten on 34 and showed admirable composure against a high-quality bowling attack.
Her determined effort helped India edge closer to the 200-run mark, a total that looked unlikely earlier in the innings. Eventually, the visitors were bowled out for 198, a score that still offered their bowlers something to work with under lights.
Indian Pacers Strike Back
When Australia began their reply, India’s young pace attack ensured the hosts did not settle easily. Debutant Sayali Satghare made an immediate impact by dismissing Georgia Voll for just two runs in only her second over in Test cricket.
The pink ball offered significant movement, and India’s seamers exploited it effectively. Kranti Gaud delivered an economical spell of 11 overs, conceding just 28 runs while picking up the important wicket of Phoebe Litchfield. Litchfield struggled against the swinging ball and eventually departed for 9 after facing 39 deliveries.
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Perry Leads Australia’s Recovery
With early wickets falling, experienced all-rounder Ellyse Perry stepped up to stabilize Australia’s innings. Perry played with patience and control, finishing the day unbeaten on 43 and ensuring the hosts remained firmly in the contest.
Meanwhile, Satghare struck again to remove Alyssa Healy cheaply in what is her final international match, adding another significant moment to an already dramatic opening day.
Perry then found solid support from Annabel Sutherland, who remained unbeaten on 20 at stumps. Together they guided Australia safely through the final phase of play without further losses.
Day 1 Ends with Australia in Strong Position
By the close of play, Australia had reached 96 for 3, trailing India by 102 runs. While the visitors managed early breakthroughs with the ball, the hosts will be confident of taking control on Day 2 with Perry and Sutherland well set at the crease.
With conditions still favouring seam bowlers and both teams showing flashes of brilliance, the pink-ball Test promises an exciting battle as the match progresses.
Brief Scores:
Australia 96/3 (Ellyse Perry 43*; Sayali Satghare 2-24, Kranti Gaud 1-28) trail India 198 (Jemimah Rodrigues 52, Shafali Verma 35, Kashvee Gautam 34*; Annabel Sutherland 4-46, Lucy Hamilton 3-31) by 102 runs.