In what can only be described as an exemplar of grit and determination, Harmanpreet Kaur’s inspiring performance in the late hours of the third day has positioned the Indian women’s cricket team in a commanding stance against their seasoned Australian counterparts. The much-anticipated one-off Test match, held on a balmy Saturday, December 23, witnessed India conclude their first innings with a lead of 187 runs before the Australian side scrambled to a precarious second-innings lead of just 46 runs upon losing five prime wickets for a total of 233.
The day’s play kicked off with Australia’s bowlers seizing early dominance, as India could muster only an additional 30 runs to their overnight total, being skittled out for 406. Deepti Sharma, the Indian star spin all-rounder, emerged as the top scorer clinching a pivotal 78 runs. Meanwhile, a near miss by Pooja Vastrakar, who fell agonizingly short of her half-century by three runs, added some late drama. Ashleigh Gardner, the Australian ace all-rounder, excelled with the ball, scalping four vital wickets, while Kim Garth and Annabel Sutherland supported the attack with two dismissals each.
Upon commencing their second innings, the Australian team witnessed openers Beth Mooney and Phoebe Litchfield construct a robust 49-run opening stand. However, the partnership was abruptly cut short by a magnificent piece of fielding from India’s Richa Ghosh, whose direct hit sent Mooney packing in the twelfth over. Litchfield soon followed, falling victim to Sneh Rana’s guile, as India began weaving their web around the Australians just before the lunch break.
As the midday sun bore down, Ellyse Perry, the revered Australian all-rounder, alongside the in-form Tahlia McGrath, counterattacked and put up a resilient 84-run stand for the third wicket. Dominating the second session, they brought equilibrium back into the game. However, Rana once again stepped up, dislodging Perry and granting the Indians a much-needed breakthrough. Unperturbed, McGrath went on to score her third Test fifty.
A tactical partnership between McGrath and captain Alyssa Healy saw them put together 66 runs, momentarily tipping the game in Australia’s favor. But, as the day waned, it was Harmanpreet who unleashed her might with the ball, accounting for the dismissals of both McGrath, who had amassed a stoic 73 off 177 deliveries—her highest Test score to date—and Healy, contributing a brisk 32.
At the close of play, Gardner and Sutherland were still at the crease for Australia, having navigated the team to 233 for the loss of five wickets in 90 overs. The day concluded with the sense that the balance of power had decisively swung in India’s favor, largely owing to Harmanpreet’s late intervention.
The players representing the India Women’s team were Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Yastika Bhatia (wicketkeeper), Richa Ghosh, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Pooja Vastrakar, Renuka Thakur Singh, and Rajeshwari Gayakwad. The Australia Women’s contingent comprised Beth Mooney, Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Tahlia McGrath, Alyssa Healy (captain & wicketkeeper), Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Kim Garth, and Lauren Cheatle.
As the match heads into its final day, all eyes are on the Indian squad to see if they can capitalize on the groundwork laid by their star performers and secure what could be a monumental victory against the formidable Australian team.
