Tensions rise at the Gabba as the three-match ODI series between India Women and hosts Australia Women commences Tuesday. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s India seized the toss advantage, choosing to bat in the series curtain-raiser after dominating the T20Is 2-1.
Kaur justified the call: ‘Conditions suit batting first for us right now. It’s a team decision backed by our preparations.’ Venue stats add intrigue: 22 ODIs contested, 12 chases successful, first innings average of 212. Historically, Australia leads 49-12 in 61 mutual clashes, but India’s T20 form—21-run DLS win, 19-run loss, 17-run clincher—signals intent.
This tour marks a pivotal chapter for Indian women’s cricket. Batting first could set a daunting target, testing Australia’s famed bowling attack. Confirmed lineups: India boasts Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rao, Shefali Verma, Harmanpreet (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Kashvee Gautam, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur.
Australia responds with Alyssa Healy at the helm, supported by Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Beth Mooney (wk), Annabel Sutherland, Ashley Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown. With every run and wicket, legacies hang in balance. Can India extend their winning streak and conquer the ODIs? Brisbane buzzes with anticipation.