After a fascinating ODI series, the spotlight of the multi-format series between Australia and India now moves to the much-anticipated one-off pink-ball Women's Test, taking place at the Metricon Stadium in Carrara from 30 September.
Australia currently lead India by 4-2 in this multi-format series after a 2-1 triumph in the three-match ODI series. Had Jhulan Goswami not bowled the accidental no-ball in the second ODI, the series could have gone in India’s favour.
India will miss Harmanpreet Kaur, who was sidelined in all three ODIs due to a thumb injury. She was expected to return for the Test, but on the eve of the match, Mithali Raj confirmed Kaur has been ruled out of the contest again.
India boast of a formidable seam attack, featuring Goswami, Pooja Vastrakar and Meghna Singh. Goswami and Vastrakar picked three wickets apiece in the third ODI four days ago, where India brought the curtains down on Australia’s 26-match winning streak in ODI cricket. Among batters, Raj, Smriti Mandhana, and Shafali Verma will be key for their side.
For Australia, Rachael Haynes will be unavailable for selection for the remainder of the tour. Beth Mooney is likely to open batting in her absence, while Annabel Sutherland is set to receive her maiden Test cap. The onus will be on two of their most-experienced campaigners, Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry.
The two teams last met in a Test match back in 2006, in Adelaide, a match Australia won by an innings and four runs. They rode on Lisa Sthalekar's 72 to post 250 after opting to bat, and skittled out India for 93. Following on, India only managed 153 in the second innings, Sthalekar claiming a five-wicket haul.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Back as many Australians as you can, but appoint Deepti Sharma captain. She can be handy with both bat and ball.
- Perry can be a safe vice-captain option. She had an ordinary ODI series last week after recovering from an injury, and is desperately looking to make an impact here.
- Among wicketkeepers, pick Healy. Include Mooney and Lanning.
Likely XIs
Australia: Meg Lanning (c), Alyssa Healy (wk), Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Annabel Sutherland, Sophie Molineux, Georgia Wareham, Darcie Brown, Stella Campbell.
India: Mithali Raj (c), Taniya Bhatia (wk), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Punam Raut, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Pooja Vastrakar, Jhulan Goswami, Meghna Singh, Rajeshwari Gayakwad.
Prediction
The rain is likely to interrupt regular in the first two days. Expect a draw.
Blitzpools Fantasy Team
Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry (vc), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma (c), Tahlia McGrath, Jhulan Goswami, Darcie Brown, Sophie Molineux.
