Mumbai, Dec 20: After dismantling England, India Women will be eager to tick another bold point in their bucket list heading into the one-off Test against a formidable Australia here from Thursday, a maiden win in the traditional format.
India have never beaten Australia in any of their 10 Tests spanning over 46 years — home or away — as the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side would know that there could be no better opportunity to achieve that considering that they are playing on a pitch that is expected to favour the spinners.The Indian bowlers, especially offie Deepti Sharma, showed remarkable ruthlessness against England while scoring a mammoth 347-run win at the DY Patil Stadium last week, biggest in terms of runs in women’s Test history, and they would like to reproduce that burning streak against the Aussies too.
But India’s bowling has more sharp edges to it than Deepti.Renuka Singh Thakur is building a reputation of making early inroads with the new ball since her return from injury and fellow-pacer Pooja Vastrakar also warmed-up with a three-wicket burst against England.
India’s batting also looks to be in safe hands with Harmanpreet Kaur (49 and 44 not out), Jemimah Rodrigues (68) and Yastika Bhatia (66) making good impact against England.However, India would want opener Smriti Mandhana to join the party with a big knock here at the Wankhede Stadium against the Aussies.
But India could be without left-handed Shubha Satheesh, who suffered a dislocation and hairline fracture after a scintillating debut fifty against England.
Priya Punia has joined the Indian squad as a cover but Harleen Deol, who had an extended nets on Tuesday, could get the nod.
Back to playing Test cricket in India after a gap of almost 40 years, Australia have indeed ventured in to the unknown and the task looks uphill for the newly-appointed skipper Alyssa Healy and her side. (PTI)
