Brisbane, Dec 4: India will seek to rectify their batting inconsistencies and finalize their squad composition ahead of the Women’s World Cup next year as they face Australia in a three-match ODI series starting Thursday.
After a 2-1 victory over New Zealand in their recent home ODI series, the Indian team aims to build on that success.
However, their batting performance has raised concerns, leading to the decision to drop struggling opener Shafali Verma from the lineup.
Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, the team knows they face a significant challenge against Australia, who have historically dominated in 50-over matches.
India’s record in Australia is disappointing, with only four wins from sixteen WODIs. In their last encounter in 2021, Australia triumphed 2-1.
This series will provide a crucial opportunity for captain Kaur and coach Amol Majumdar to enhance their preparations for next year’s ODI World Cup on home soil.
The Australian team will be without their regular captain, Alyssa Healy, who is sidelined due to a knee injury. Furthermore, the hosts have not played this format since March and will be looking to shake off any rust.
“(India) have got superstars … it’s always hard-fought with key moments in every game, and while we’re at home, we’re expecting strong support from India,” stated Australia captain Tahlia McGrath.
For India, Smriti Mandhana is expected to provide a solid opening. Despite a couple of low scores, she has been in excellent form this year, amassing 448 runs at an average of approximately 75 over her last six ODIs.
Kaur’s form is a pressing concern, as her consistency has wavered this year. With high stakes ahead of her, both her captaincy and batting skills are under scrutiny following India’s early exit from the T20 World Cup.
She faces extra pressure after failing to reach double figures in the last ODI series against Australia.
Aditionally, Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma will be eager to contribute significant runs.
The team will miss wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia, who suffered a wrist injury during the Women’s Big Bash League. Young Uma Chetry has been called up in her stead and will aim to make an impact in her debut ODI series.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Richa Ghosh returns to the squad along with Harleen Deol, Titas Sadhu, and Minnu Mani.
Deepti Sharma performed well against New Zealand with an economy rate of 3.6 and will look to maintain that level. Similarly, Radha Yadav had a strong series and hopes to continue her good form.
Aggressive fast bowler Saima Thakor, who made her debut against New Zealand, is also eager to make a lasting impression.
McGrath will be captaining the national side for the first time in a full series, expressing, “This is the first time I’ve had a complete series as captain – before this, I stepped into the role at the end of series or tournaments. I’m excited to put my own spin on it.”
Batter Georgia Voll has been brought in to replace Healy, while veteran Ellyse Perry will aim for the milestone of 4,000 runs in ODIs, needing just 42 runs to achieve this.
The weather forecast predicts hot and humid conditions, with a chance of light rain.
Squads:
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Priya Punia, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Uma Chetry, Richa Ghosh (wk), Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Minnu Mani, Priya Mishra, Radha Yadav, Titas Sadhu, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Saima Thakor
Australia: Tahlia McGrath (c), Ashleigh Gardner (vc), Darcie Brown, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham.
The match is set to begin at 8:50 am IST. (PTI)
