India head into the one-off pink-ball Test against Australia at the WACA Ground knowing exactly what is at stake. A victory would allow Harmanpreet Kaur’s side to level the multi-format series. Anything less will hand the trophy to the hosts. It is a high-pressure scenario, but India’s recent Test form gives them reason to believe.
India are unbeaten in their last five Tests, winning there and drawing two, with commanding performances against England and South Africa at home, and a memorable win over Australia in Mumbai in 2023. Those matches were built on big first-innings totals and disciplined bowling, something they will need again in Perth where pace and bounce are expected to dominate.
At the top of the order, Smriti Mandhana remains India’s most reliable test batter. She averages to 57.18 in Tests and has 2 centuries to her name. Her composure against quality pace will be crucial under lights. Alongside her, Pratika Rawal is likely to make her Test debut. Rawal has impressed with her technique and patience. Opening in Perth is a daunting challenge, but India might see her as a long-term investment in the format.
Shafali Verma adds a contrasting dimension. Naturally aggressive, she can disrupt rhythm early. In recent Tests, she has shown improved shot selection, balancing flair with responsibility. She has over 550 runs and averages at 63 with three 50+ scores and a century. The middle order combines experience and all-round strength.
Harmanpreet’s leadership will be vital in tough phases and so will be Jemimah Rodrigues composure under pressure. Deepti Sharma continues to be India’s most dependable allrounder in the format. Deepti averages above 60 with the bat in Tests and has five-wicket hauls, offering control and breakthroughs when needed.
In the bowling department, India will have at least one new face. Kranti Gaud is in contention for a debut. The young seamer has built a strong domestic reputation for accuracy and movement. On a WACA surface known for steep bounce and carry, her ability to hit consistent lengths could prove valuable.
A key selection call revolves around the final seam-bowling spot. It could come down to Sayali Satghare or Kashvee Gautam. Gautam replaced Renuka Singh Thakur who was ruled out due to workload management and made a strong impression during the recent ODI series in Australia. She bowled disciplined spells and contributed valuable lower-order runs, highlighting her all-round capability.
Satghare, meanwhile, offers height and bounce, attributes that could be particularly useful in Perth conditions. The team management must decide whether they prefer Gautam’s recent form and batting depth or Satghare’s seam potential.
Sneh Rana brings experience and stability with her off-spin and lower-order batting, rounding out the bowling unit. For India, success will depend on discipline. They must bat long, avoid collapses unlike the ODI series and make full use of the pink ball under lights. With debutants like Rawal, Gaud and possibly Kashvee Gautam or Sayali Satghare, this is a side that reflects both ambition and transition.
Possible India XI:
Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), Kashvee Gautam/Sayali Satghare, Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud, Kashvee Gautam
Loves all things female cricket