IND-W vs AUS-W 1st ODI Preview: Key Players, Pitch Report, and More
The first ODI between India Women (IND-W) and Australia Women (AUS-W) is on Thursday, December 5, at Allan Border Field in Brisbane. Both teams have a mix of experienced stars and rising talents. Fans can expect a fierce battle to kick off the three-match series.
Australia Women Look to Dominate at Home
Australia Women enter the match as clear favorites. The reigning ODI World Cup champions are playing on home turf, adding to their advantage. Tahlia McGrath will lead a strong squad. It is despite the absence of regular skipper Alyssa Healy, who is out with a knee injury.
Key players like Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, and Ashleigh Gardner are in great form. Young Phoebe Litchfield brings fresh energy to the lineup. Megan Schutt and Kim Garth will lead the bowling attack. They excel in the pace-friendly conditions at Allan Border Field.
India Women Seek an Early Lead with Balanced Squad
India Women are determined to challenge the Aussies and start the series on a high. The batting unit has proven stars: Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Richa Ghosh. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur adds experience and leadership.
All-rounders Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav add depth to the squad. Harleen Deol’s return after injury adds stability. Renuka Singh Thakur leads the bowling attack. India’s pace unit also has talents like Titas Sadhu and Priya Mishra.
India will aim to adapt to Brisbane’s conditions and exploit any weaknesses in the Australian lineup.
Pitch Report: Allan Border Field Conditions
Players know the pitch at Allan Border Field. It’s grassy and bouncy, which favors pace bowlers. Batters will need to spend time settling in before going for big shots. Teams winning the toss are likely to bowl first to make use of the early movement.
Key Players to Watch
Australia Women:
- Ellyse Perry: 424 runs in her last 10 matches (Average: 53.00, SR: 137.21).
- Beth Mooney: 386 runs in 10 matches (Average: 38.60, SR: 133.10).
- Ashleigh Gardner: 16 wickets in 10 matches (Average: 16.31, ER: 6.89).
- Sophie Molineux: 16 wickets in 7 matches (Average: 12.06, ER: 7.14).
India Women:
- Smriti Mandhana: 570 runs in her last 9 matches (Average: 63.33, SR: 92.98).
- Jemimah Rodrigues: 294 runs in 10 matches (Average: 42.00, SR: 85.21).
- Deepti Sharma: 19 wickets in 10 matches (ER: 4.00, SR: 30).
- Radha Yadav: 8 wickets in 6 matches (ER: 4.84, SR: 39.5).
Probable Playing XIs
Australia Women:
Beth Mooney (wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Tahlia McGrath (c), Ashleigh Gardner, Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, Megan Schutt, Sophie Molineux, Darcie Brown
India Women:
Smriti Mandhana, Uma Chetry (wk), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Priya Mishra, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy
Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
Australia Women, playing at home with a well-rounded squad, are the favorites to take the first ODI. India’s strong lineup and stars like Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur could make it a close match.
