In the glow of pink balls at Perth’s WACA, Australia’s Annabel Sutherland orchestrated India’s first-innings implosion, taking 4/46 to restrict them to 198 all out on day one of the exclusive Test match.
Healy’s toss win and decision to bowl unleashed chaos. Mandhana scratched 4, Rawal 18 with three fours before perishing to Sutherland. Verma aggregated 35 without menace.
Rodrigues’ gritty 52 (84 balls, 7×4) stood tall as the lone half-century, but teammates crumbled: Kaur 19, Sharma 7, Ghosh 11 (41 balls), Rana 5, Gaud 1, Satghare 7, Gautam 34* (54).
The supporting cast shone – Hamilton 3/31, Brown 2/??, Gardner 1. Perth’s bounce claimed victims relentlessly, capping India’s score below par.
As night descends, Australia’s batsmen gear up, but India’s fielders smell blood. This Test, blending tradition and innovation, underscores the growing competitiveness in women’s cricket.