Australia head into the one-off pink-ball Test against India at the WACA Ground with momentum, emotion and a few key selection calls to make. It will be the final international appearance for captain Alyssa Healy, adding extra meaning to a match that will also decide the multi-format series. Australia need only a draw to win the series, but the focus has been on getting the balance right for Perth’s pace-friendly surface.
Healy made it clear that the team combination is almost settled, with one major fitness question. “We’ve got a very rough idea about what it’s going to look like,” she said. “Obviously Ellyse Perry is probably the key one and we’ll just assess her as we go. She trained really well yesterday so it’s looking really promising but I daresay there will be a debutant, so we’ll have to wait and see who that’ll be.”
Ellyse Perry remains central to Australia’s plans. She averages above 55 in Test cricket and her highest score of 213 not out underlines her ability to bat for long periods. If fully fit, she slots in at No. 3 and strengthens both the batting and bowling units.
There is no question around Annabel Sutherland’s place in the XI. She has developed into one of Australia’s most dependable Test performers, particularly with the bat, where she averages an outstanding 83.71. Her last four innings in the format read 137 not out, 16, 210 and 163, numbers that highlight her consistency and ability to play long innings.
Her double century at the WACA Ground against South Africa two years ago remains a standout performance, especially as she also picked up five wickets in the same match. During the Ashes last season, she stepped up again when she was promoted to No. 3 following an injury to Ellyse Perry, producing another commanding display in the longest format. With her impact in both disciplines, Sutherland has become one of Australia’s most important players in red-ball cricket.
Injuries to Kim Garth and Sophie Molineux have opened the door for a debutant quick. The debate is likely between Lucy Hamilton and Maitlan Brown. Hamilton, a left-arm seamer, offers angle and control. She is known for her discipline and ability to shape the ball across right-handers, which can be useful with the pink ball under lights.
Brown, however, may be better suited to Perth conditions. She hits the deck hard, generates natural bounce and can trouble batters with extra lift. Given the WACA’s reputation for pace, Brown’s style could make her the more attacking option. She also offers useful lower order runs, having developed into a more capable batter in domestic cricket.
With Darcie Brown certain to lead the attack and Sutherland and Tahlia McGrath providing seam support, the choice may come down to whether Australia prefer left-arm variety or extra pace and bounce. On this surface, Brown’s attributes could give her the edge. The top-order arrives in strong form. Healy has looked confident at the top with a score of 158 in the ODI series earlier. Beth Mooney remains one of the most consistent batters in the world, averaging above 43 in tests and more than four 50+ scores. The young guns Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll have proven well when given opportunities.
All signs point to a strong, balanced XI as Australia look to close out the series and give their captain the perfect send-off.
Possible Australia XI:
Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy, Annabel Sutherland, Beth Mooney (WK), Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Alana King, Maitlan Brown, Darcie Brown
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