The India women’s national cricket team will look to bounce back from their ODI series defeat when they face the Australia women’s national cricket team in a crucial day-night Test match starting Friday in Perth. The pink-ball Test marks the first such contest between the two sides in nearly five years and will conclude their ongoing multi-format series.
Despite being heavily beaten in the ODI leg, India enter the match with confidence due to their impressive recent form in Test cricket. The side led by Harmanpreet Kaur has remained unbeaten in its last five Tests, including three consecutive victories at home against England, Australia, and South Africa between December 2023 and July 2024.
However, India’s recent overseas Test record has been more challenging. Their last two away Tests — against England and Australia in 2021 — both ended in draws. Notably, the Test against Australia during that tour was also a day-night match, where Smriti Mandhana scored a memorable century.
Series Context
The pink-ball Test will determine the outcome of the multi-format series between the two cricketing rivals. India dominated the T20I series, but Australia responded strongly by winning all the ODIs.
With the current points system awarding two points for each T20I and ODI win and four points for a Test victory, Australia currently lead the standings 8–4. A draw would secure the series for Australia, while India must win the Test to finish the contest level.
India will also draw confidence from their historic victory over Australia in December 2023, when they secured their first-ever Test win against Australia at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
Key Players to Watch
India will rely heavily on experienced players including captain Harmanpreet Kaur, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, and all-rounder Deepti Sharma to lead the batting and bowling departments.
Young right-hander Pratika Rawal is expected to make her Test debut in Perth. She is among seven uncapped players included in the squad for the match.
Other young talents such as Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Gaud, and Sayali Satghare could also get opportunities as India looks to balance youth and experience.
However, India will miss the services of experienced pacer Renuka Singh, who has been rested due to workload management. Young fast bowler Kashvee Gautam has been included in the squad as her replacement.
Australia’s Perspective
For Australia, the match will be particularly emotional as captain Alyssa Healy prepares to play her 299th and final international match.
The hosts have also added new players such as Rachel Trenaman and Maitlan Brown due to injuries within the squad.
Fast bowler Kim Garth and spinner Sophie Molineux have been ruled out, while star all-rounder Ellyse Perry is recovering from a back issue and remains doubtful.
The match will take place at the iconic WACA Ground, setting the stage for an exciting finale to the multi-format series.
