Drama unfolded under the Perth skies at WACA as the Indian women’s team was skittled for 198 in their first dig of the pink ball Test against Australia. Young gun Annabel Sutherland’s lethal 4/46 proved decisive, exposing vulnerabilities on the lively pitch.
Toss victor Alyssa Healy’s choice to field first triggered India’s downfall. Mandhana’s 4-run vigil ended swiftly, followed by Rawal’s 18-run cameo featuring three boundaries, both to Sutherland.
Verma’s 35 hinted at recovery, but Jemimah Rodrigues truly shone, smashing 52 off 84 with seven fours in a bid to resurrect the innings. Yet, the rest faltered: Kaur 19, Sharma 7, Ghosh 11 off 41, Rana 5, Gaud 1, Satghare 7, Gautam 34 not out off 54.
Hamilton’s 3/31 and Brown’s two wickets complemented Sutherland, with Gardner dismissing Ghosh. Regular wickets on the bouncy track stifled momentum, leaving India well short of a competitive total.
This pink ball spectacle, a rarity in women’s cricket, sets the stage for Australia’s response. India’s bowlers now eye early breakthroughs to claw back into contention in what promises to be a tense battle.