As India rides high with 4-2 points lead in the multi-format series against Australia, capped by their first T20I series win Down Under since January 2016, the stage is set for a thrilling 1st ODI on Tuesday at Brisbane’s Gabba. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side, fresh off a 2-1 T20I triumph, faces a fired-up Australia in this three-match ODI leg from 24th February 2026 ahead of Alyssa Healy’s emotional pink-ball Test send-off in Perth.
In Healy’s all-format retirement swan song, announced in January 2026, keep eyes locked on three superstars: skipper Alyssa Healy, all-round dynamo Ashleigh Gardner, and pace spearhead Megan Schutt. These players could ignite Australia’s comeback at a venue where home advantage runs deep.
Alyssa Healy
Alyssa Healy, the wicket-keeper batter and skipper, enters her farewell ODI series determined to bow out with flair against India. In 21 ODIs versus the tourists, she has amassed 757 runs across 20 innings at a strike rate of 102.29 and an average of 42.05, boasting 3 half-centuries and a couple of centuries. On home soil, her record shines brighter: 1,295 runs in 51 innings at a strike rate of 89.43 and average of 27.55 over 57 matches, including 8 half-centuries and a century. With the series on the line and the Gabba’s bounce suiting her aggressive strokeplay, Healy’s glovework and leadership could turn the tide in this poignant finale.
Ashleigh Gardner
Ashleigh Gardner, the seasoned all-rounder, brings explosive balance to Australia’s arsenal, especially after the T20I rollercoaster. Against India in ODIs, she’s scored 382 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 101.59 and average of 27.28 across 20 matches, with 3 half-centuries; with the ball, she’s snared 23 wickets in 20 innings at an average of 34.91 and economy of 5.11, including a five-wicket haul. In Australia, her stats elevate: 494 runs in 21 innings at a strike rate of 93.56 and average of 26 over 32 matches (2 half-centuries, 1 century), plus 34 wickets in 28 innings at 20.67 average and 4.04 economy (including a five-for). Gardner’s spin wizardry and middle-order muscle could make her a game-changer at Gabba.
Megan Schutt
Megan Schutt, the wily veteran pacer, looms as Australia’s bowling trump card in Brisbane’s seaming conditions. In 19 ODI innings against India, she has claimed 27 wickets at an average of 27.55 and an economy of 5.03, including a five-wicket haul. At home, she’s a nightmare, 55 wickets in 41 innings at 23.54 average and 4.39 economy across 41 matches, featuring 3 four-wicket hauls and a five-for. With India’s batters vulnerable after T20I battles, Schutt’s swing and cutters could dismantle the top order, fueling Australia’s multi-format resurgence.
Loves all things female cricket