The high-octane multi-format series reaches its grand finale as Australia Women and India Women face off in a historic Pink-Ball Test at the iconic W.A.C.A. Ground in Perth. While Australia has already secured the multi-format trophy (leading 8-4 on points), four crucial points are up for grabs in this Test. A win for India would see them level the series standings, making this far more than just a dead rubber.
The focus is undeniably on Alyssa Healy as she steps out for her 299th and final international match. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter enters this fixture in sublime form, having smashed a blistering 158 in the final ODI. The squad faces fitness tests for key personnel, including star all-rounder Ellyse Perry, who is working back to full fitness after a quad strain. With the series already won, Australia will be looking to end their summer with a clinical statement performance.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s side will be eager to bounce back after the disappointment of the ODI series. A major blow for the visitors is the absence of pacer Renuka Singh, who has been ruled out to manage her workload; she has been replaced by the talented seamer Kashvee Gautam. India will look to their top-order batting unit, led by the consistent Smriti Mandhana, to negate the swing of the pink ball and build a substantial first-innings total.
WACA Ground Pitch Report
The W.A.C.A. Ground in Perth remains one of the most intimidating assignments for any visiting batter, and this Test’s surface appears no different. Historically legendary for its extreme pace and steep bounce, the pitch for this Pink-Ball Test features a healthy dusting of grass to ensure the ball carries through to the keeper at head height. Early on, batters must weather an initial storm of high-velocity bowling where the extra lift frequently catches the outside edge of those unfamiliar with the Perth zip.
The tactical narrative will shift significantly as the ‘Fremantle Doctor’, the iconic afternoon sea breeze rolls in. This wind is expected to assist swing bowlers, becoming particularly lethal during the treacherous twilight period when the pink ball is known to skid and move unpredictably under the lights. While the true bounce offers great value for shots once a batter is settled, the constant threat of lateral movement makes this a bowl-first paradise.
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WACA Ground Test Stats and Records
- Total matches played: 48
- Matches won batting first: 19
- Matches won bowling first: 19
- Average 1st innings score: 319
- Average 2nd innings score: 325
- Average 3rd innings score: 286
- Average 4th innings score: 198
- Highest total recorded: 735/6 (146.3 Ovs) by Australia vs Zimbabwe
- Lowest total recorded: 62/10 (21.2 Ovs) by Pakistan vs Australia
- Highest score chased: 414/4 (119.2 Ovs) by South Africa vs Australia
- Lowest score defended: 123/10 (48.1 Ovs) by Australia Women vs England Women
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
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