Australia Women are set to face India Women in an exciting three-match ODI series, commencing on December 5, 2024, at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane. This series marks a significant encounter as it is the first time these teams will meet since their last series in January, where Australia emerged victorious in both the T20 and ODI formats.

Australia have an edge over India as favourites in the ODI series

Australia enter this series with a strong record against India in ODIs. In their last encounter during the earlier part of the year, Australia convincingly won all three ODIs, showcasing their depth and skill across all facets of the game. Key players like Phoebe Litchfield and Ellyse Perry have been instrumental in their recent successes, with Litchfield particularly shining with her batting prowess.

India will be looking to bounce back after their previous defeats and will rely heavily on experienced players like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana to lead from the front. The team has shown potential but will need to elevate their performance to challenge the formidable Australian side effectively.

With both teams eager to assert dominance early in the series, fans can expect competitive matches filled with high-quality cricket. The first ODI promises to set the tone for what could be a thrilling series ahead.

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Australia’s best playing XI for the ODI series against India:

1. Phoebe Litchfield
   • Role: Opening Batter
   • Strengths: Litchfield has shown exceptional form in domestic cricket, being among the top run-scorers in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). Her aggressive batting style and ability to play both pace and spin make her a formidable opener.
   • Impact: As an opener, Litchfield can set the tone for the innings. A strong start from her can put pressure on the Indian bowlers and provide a solid foundation for the middle order.
2. Beth Mooney
   • Role: Opening Batter
   • Strengths: Mooney is known for her consistency and ability to anchor innings. She combines solid technique with an aggressive mindset, making her a dual threat.
   • Impact: With her experience and ability to build partnerships, Mooney can stabilize the innings if early wickets fall, while also accelerating when needed.
3. Tahlia McGrath
   • Role: All-rounder / Captain
   • Strengths: McGrath has emerged as a strong leader and an impactful middle-order batter. Her versatility allows her to adapt her game according to match situations.
   • Impact: As captain, she will play a crucial role in strategizing against India. Her batting can be pivotal in both stabilizing and accelerating the scoring rate.
4. Ellyse Perry
   • Role: All-rounder
   • Strengths: Perry is one of the best all-rounders in women’s cricket, known for her powerful batting and effective bowling. Her experience in high-pressure situations is invaluable.
   • Impact: Perry’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes her a key player. She can change the game with crucial wickets or explosive batting.
5. Georgia Voll
   • • Role: Middle-Order Batter
     • Strengths: Voll has demonstrated impressive form in domestic leagues, showcasing her ability to score quickly under pressure.
     • Impact: As a young talent, she brings fresh energy to the team. Her performance in the middle overs will be crucial for maintaining momentum.
6. Sophie Molineux
   • Role: All-rounder
   • Strengths: Molineux offers left-arm spin along with solid lower-order batting. She is effective in containing runs and picking up wickets.
   • Impact: Her bowling can be particularly useful against India’s left-handed batters, while her batting depth adds resilience to the lineup.
7. Ashleigh Gardner
   • Role: All-rounder
   • Strengths: Gardner is known for her explosive batting and handy off-spin bowling. She can clear boundaries with ease and has a knack for taking important wickets.
   • Impact: Her role as a finisher can be decisive in high-scoring games. Additionally, her bowling can provide breakthroughs at crucial moments.
8. Alana King
   • Role: Spinner
   • Strengths: King is known for her leg-spin bowling, which can be particularly effective on turning tracks. She has good control and variations.
   • Impact: Her ability to take wickets in the middle overs can disrupt India’s batting rhythm and provide crucial breakthroughs.
9. Megan Schutt
   • Role: Fast Bowler
   • Strengths: Schutt is one of Australia’s leading fast bowlers, known for her swing and seam movement. She is adept at taking early wickets.
   • Impact: As a strike bowler, Schutt’s performance will be vital in putting pressure on India’s top order from the outset.
10. Darcie Brown
    • Role: Fast Bowler
    • Strengths: Brown brings pace and aggression to the bowling attack. Her ability to bowl yorkers makes her a dangerous option in death overs.
    • Impact: Brown’s early breakthroughs can set back India’s scoring rate significantly, making her an essential part of the bowling lineup.
11. Annabel Sutherland
    • Role: Fast Bowler / All-rounder
    • Strengths: Sutherland combines pace with all-round capabilities, providing depth to both batting and bowling.
    • Impact: Her contributions with both bat and ball make her a valuable asset, especially in tight matches where every run counts.

Also READ: Australia announces ODI squads for the series against India and New Zealand, featuring two different women captains

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

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