On the opening day of the Only Test between Australia Women and India Women at the iconic WACA Ground, Australia had the upper hand, but India was not far behind. After winning the toss, Australia opted to field first, a decision that proved to be rewarding as Australian bowlers made regular breakthroughs. However, resilient half-centuries from Jemimah Rodrigues and a valuable lower-order contribution from Kashvee Gautam helped India post a fighting total of 198 in first inning before Australia finished Day 1 steadily at 96/3.
Australia’s new-ball attack started strongly, with debutant Lucy Hamilton striking early to remove Smriti Mandhana for just 4. India struggled to find momentum in the early overs as the Australian bowlers maintained disciplined lines. Shafali Verma tried to counterattack and played a few masterstrokes, scoring 35 from 48 balls with six boundaries, but she was eventually caught off the bowling of Annabel Sutherland.
India lost wickets at frequent intervals. Pratika Rawal had a cameo of 18 runs as Australia’s bowlers kept the pressure on. Amid the early setbacks, Jemimah Rodrigues showed great determination. Batting with composure, she anchored the innings with a well composed 52 off 84 balls, hitting seven boundaries. Her innings provided stability during a challenging phase and briefly raised hopes of a substantial Indian total.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur looked aggressive during her stay, striking four boundaries in her quick 19 from 15 balls, but she could not convert her start. The middle order failed to build significant partnerships as Deepti Sharma could only get 7 and wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh fell cheaply at 11.
Just when India seemed likely to collapse, young all-rounder Kashvee Gautam produced a crucial lower-order knock. She remained unbeaten on 34 from 54 deliveries, striking three boundaries and guiding the lower order of the team effectively. India were eventually bowled out for 198 in 62.4 overs, a total that looked competitive considering the early setbacks.
Australia’s bowling effort was led by Annabel Sutherland, who delivered an impressive spell of 4 for 46 in 17 overs. Lucy Hamilton supported her well with 3 for 31, while Darcie Brown claimed two wickets. Their disciplined bowling ensured India never fully settled into a long partnership.
In response, Australia also did not have a great start as both openers fell quickly leading to without damage. Sayali Satghare dismissed Georgia Voll for 2. Kranti Gaud then removed Phoebe Litchfield for 9 to keep India in the contest.
Captain Alyssa Healy, in her swansong game, tried to steady the innings but was dismissed for 13, leaving Australia at 58 for 3. From there, the experienced Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland took the charge to stabilize the innings. Perry remained unbeaten on 43 from 62 balls, striking seven boundaries, while Sutherland supported her with an unbeaten 20.
By stumps on Day 1, Australia had reached 96 for 3 in 27 overs, trailing by 102 runs with seven wickets still in hand. With Perry well set and plenty of batting to come, Australia will look to take control on Day 2, while India will aim for early breakthroughs to regain the advantage in what promises to be an intriguing Test match.
Loves all things female cricket