The three-match ODI series between Australia and India is set to begin on December 5. The opening match is scheduled to take place at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane. This series forms a crucial part of the ongoing ICC Women’s ODI Championship 2022-2025 and offers a exciting contest between two cricketing powerhouses.

Build-up to the series between Australia and India

India, under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, will enter the series fresh off a confidence-boosting 2-1 victory against New Zealand at home in October. The Indian side will aim to extend their winning momentum after a disappointing run in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, where they exited in the group stage, losing to Australia.

For hosts Australia, this series will mark their return to bilateral cricket after their semi-final loss to South Africa in the same T20 World Cup. It’s a rare blemish for the world champions, who missed the final for only the second time in the tournament’s nine-season history. With new players stepping up, Australia looks to reassert their dominance in the 50-over format.

Key insights into past encounters

India’s last ODI victory against Australia came in 2021, and since then, they have struggled to overcome the Australian juggernaut. The teams last faced each other in the ODI format during Australia’s tour of India in 2023-24, where Australia whitewashed India 3-0, showcasing their unmatched depth and consistency. However, India will look to end this winless streak as they prepare for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, which they will host.

Team India’s squad: Changes and arrival

The Indian squad features a mix of experienced players and promising young talent. Smriti Mandhana, known for her elegant batting, will continue to serve as deputy to skipper Harmanpreet. Other key players include Deepti Sharma, an all-rounder with a knack for breakthroughs, and Jemimah Rodrigues, whose consistency in the middle order is crucial.

Richa Ghosh, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, returns to the side after missing the New Zealand series due to academic commitments. However, India will miss the services of Pooja Vastrakar, who has been rested, and Dayalan Hemalatha, who was not included in the squad. Youngsters like Titas Sadhu and Minnu Mani have earned their spots after impressive domestic performances.

Full squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Priya Punia, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Yastika Bhatia (WK), Richa Ghosh (WK), Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Minnu Mani, Priya Mishra, Radha Yadav, Titas Sadhu, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Saima Thakor

Also READ: AUS-W vs IND-W 2024: India’s best playing XI for the ODI series against Australia

Australia’s squad: Absence of Alyssa Healy

Australia will be without their regular captain, Alyssa Healy, who is recovering from a knee injury sustained during the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024. In her absence, the formidable all-rounder Tahlia McGrath will lead the side, with Ashleigh Gardner as her deputy. The squad sees the inclusion of Georgia Voll, who could potentially open the innings alongside Phoebe Litchfield, promising an exciting start for the hosts. Beth Mooney will take over wicketkeeping duties, while experienced players like Gardner and McGrath are expected to anchor both batting and bowling departments.

Complete squad: Tahlia McGrath (c), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Georgia Voll

ICC Women’s ODI Championship 2022-25 

Australia currently tops the championship table with 13 wins from 18 matches, having already secured qualification for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup. India, ranked third with 12 wins from 15 matches, has also qualified as the host nation. Despite this, the series holds immense value as both teams look to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the marquee event.

India Women tour of Australia 2024, ODI series:

• 1st ODI: December 5, 2024, Allan Border Field, Brisbane – 4:20 am GMT| 9:50 am IST| 2:20 pm local
• 2nd ODI: December 8, 2024, Allan Border Field, Brisbane -11:45 pm GMT (Dec 7)| 5:15 am IST| 9:45 am local
• 3rd ODI: December 11, 2024, WACA Ground, Perth – 4:20 am GMT| 9:50 am IST| 12:20 pm local

Broadcast and Live streaming details:

• India: Star Sports, Fancode, Doordarshan Sports
• Australia: Fox Cricket (501), Kayo Sports
• Pakistan: Tapmad
• USA & Canada: Sling TV – Willow TV [Sign up here]
• South Africa: Supersport (201)
• New Zealand: Sky Sports 2
• UK & Ireland: TNT Sports 1, Discovery +

Also READ: AU-W vs IN-W 2024: Australia’s best playing XI for the ODI series against India

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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