The multi-format series between India and Australia in women’s cricket is nicely poised, with everything still to play for. India are not out of the series yet, and the upcoming Test match could play a decisive role in determining the outcome. In the structure of the multi-format series, the Test match carries four points, which means that if India manage to win it, they will collect those four points and level the series at 8–8. That scenario keeps the competition alive and adds an extra layer of intrigue heading into the match.
I like this concept of a multi-format series in the women’s game which has proven to be a fascinating one. It brings together all formats of cricket—Tests, One-Day Internationals, and T20 Internationals—into one unified contest. Because Test cricket is played far less frequently in the women’s game, the format is given extra significance in this structure by awarding four points for a win. This system ensures that the Test match becomes a crucial part of the series narrative. In this case, it has set things up beautifully, with India having the opportunity to level the series if they can secure a victory.
Australia, however, will not simply be playing to avoid defeat. They will want to win the Test match outright and seal the series decisively. Given the conditions and the quality of both sides, there is a strong expectation that the game will produce a result rather than ending in a draw.
The match will take place at the WACA at Perth, a ground that has traditionally been known for producing exciting cricket. The pitch there typically offers a bit of pace and bounce, which can make the game lively and engaging. Those characteristics often help create a rhythm for both bowlers and batters. While the pitch may initially offer assistance to the bowlers, it can also allow batters to play their strokes once they settle in.
India have already spent some time in Australia during this tour, so they should be well acclimatised to the local conditions by now. That familiarity could help them adjust quickly to the surface and the pace of the pitch. One of India’s biggest strengths in this match will clearly be their batting line-up, which is both deep and talented.
India possess a top-quality group of batters who can shape the course of the game. The lineup could include Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shefali Varma, and Deepti Sharma. There is also the possibility that Pratika Rawal will open the batting. With such a range of batting options, India have the potential to put together a strong performance with the bat.
If the Indian batters can negotiate the early phases of the innings and get used to the conditions, the surface could offer them good opportunities to score runs. Their batting strength is likely to be a key factor in the match, especially considering the depth and variety available within the squad.
However, while India’s batting looks strong, there are some questions about how they will balance their side with the ball. That aspect of team composition could be one of the main areas of focus for them ahead of the match.
Amanjot Kaur is expected to feature in the team and could contribute as a late middle-order batter. Kashvee Gautam is also likely to play, which represents an exciting opportunity for her. Meanwhile, Renuka Singh Thakur is expected to be unavailable, possibly because her workload is being carefully managed.
Kranti Gaud is also expected to be part of the lineup. She provides an option to swing the ball away from the batter, while Gautam offers the ability to swing the ball in. In addition to her bowling, Gautam also brings some batting depth to the side. She recently scored a century in domestic cricket, which highlights her capability with the bat as well.
India are also likely to include Vaishnavi Sharma alongside Deepti Sharma, giving them a couple of spin options within the bowling attack. This combination could help provide variety in their bowling resources.
When comparing India’s bowling attack to Australia’s, however, that is perhaps where the difference between the two teams becomes more apparent. Australia also possess a very classy batting lineup and, like India, they bat deep.
Players such as Tahlia McGrath and Annabel Sutherland form an important part of Australia’s middle order and late-middle-order strength. Their presence adds significant balance to the Australian side and provides both stability and attacking options with the bat.
Australia’s bowling attack has been slightly affected by injuries and availability issues. They will be without Kim Garth and Sophie Molyneux, which does remove some experience from their lineup. There is also uncertainty surrounding Elyse Perry. While she may still play in the match, there is a possibility that she will feature only as a batter and not bowl.
Because of these factors, Australia may need to make a few adjustments to their bowling combination. Two uncapped players – Rachel Trenaman and Maitlan Brown – have been called up to the squad.
Even with those challenges, Australia still have a well-established bowling unit. Darcie Brown is expected to play, and Ash Gardner will provide a key spin option. Gardner’s off spin can be an important weapon, particularly in longer formats of the game.
Australia also have the option of leg-spin. Alana King is likely to be the preferred leg spinner, as she is regarded as more of a wicket-taking option. Rather than playing two leg spinners, it would make sense for Australia to rely primarily on King in that role.
In addition to those specialists, Australia also have further bowling options through players like Annabel Sutherland and McGrath, who can contribute with the ball if required.
Lucy Hamilton is another player who could feature in the match. She is a tall left-arm bowler who recently made her international debut in the ODI series just a few days ago. Her height and angle could make her particularly effective at the WACA, where the pitch often offers bounce and pace. Those conditions might allow her to extract extra lift from the surface and potentially trouble India’s top-order batters.
Despite the injuries and uncertainties surrounding some players, Australia’s bowling attack still carries considerable experience and depth. The presence of all-rounders like Annabel Sutherland and Talia McGrath further strengthens their options.
Annabel Sutherland, in particular, is an exceptional cricketer. The last time a Test match was played at this ground, she produced a remarkable performance by scoring 200 runs against South Africa. That innings underlined her immense ability and her importance to the Australian side.
Another major storyline surrounding this match is that it will be Alysa Healy’s final appearance for Australia. Her career has been extraordinary, and she has been one of the most influential figures in women’s cricket. Beyond her achievements as a player, she has also been a remarkable ambassador for the game.
There is a story that illustrates her character perfectly. During a Test match that England were playing at Trent Bridge a couple of years ago, there was a demonstration taking place on the ground for some young kids. One of the sessions was focused on wicket-keeping.
Alysa Healy was not scheduled to be involved in that activity. However, she quietly came over and watched the demonstration before the match started. Without any announcement or attention, she simply observed what was happening.
She then brought over a pair of her wicket-keeping gloves, signed them, and gave them to one of the young kids who had been taking part in the wicket-keeping demonstration. It was a spontaneous and thoughtful gesture, done entirely on her own initiative.
Moments like that show why she is regarded not only as a fantastic player but also as an incredible ambassador for women’s cricket. Her willingness to encourage and support young players reflects the kind of person she is.
The women’s game will undoubtedly miss her. From her explosive starts with the bat to her leadership as captain and her skills behind the stumps as a wicketkeeper, she has contributed immensely to Australian cricket and to the growth of the women’s game more broadly.
As this match approaches, the stage is set for what promises to be a very interesting contest. The conditions at the WACA and the strength of both batting lineups suggest that the match could produce a result. Ultimately, much of the attention may fall on how effectively both teams’ bowling attacks perform, as that could be the factor that determines the outcome of the game.
