In a gripping opening session of the one-off Test at Wankhede Stadium, Pooja Vastrakar and her brilliance on the field tilted the scales in favor of India as they restricted Australia to 103/4 at lunch. Pooja Vastrakar, with figures of 2-29 in six overs, played a pivotal role alongside Sneh Rana (1-12), providing crucial breakthroughs.
Australia faced early setbacks, losing Phoebe Litchfield to a run-out without facing a ball, followed by the dismissal of Ellyse Perry for four. However, opener Beth Mooney (40) and Tahlia McGrath’s resilient partnership of 80 runs for the third wicket steadied the innings.
McGrath’s aggressive half-century, the fastest for Australia in Test cricket, added impetus to the visitors’ recovery. Despite being dropped on 18, McGrath showcased her batting prowess with a flurry of boundaries. The spin duo of Rana and Rajeshwari Gayakwad curtailed Australia’s run rate.
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Just when Australia appeared to be in control, Sneh Rana struck, dismissing McGrath, who attempted an uppish flick towards midwicket. Gayakwad executed a brilliant catch, ending McGrath’s impactful innings.
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Mooney, patient and determined, guided Australia, but Pooja Vastrakar’s return to the attack brought success for India. In the final over before lunch, Mooney attempted a cut shot but gloved it to Sneh Rana at first slip, departing for 40.
Australia’s captain, Alyssa Healy, stood unbeaten on nine at the lunch break. Earlier, India introduced Richa Ghosh in place of Shubha Satheesh, while Australia handed a debut to left-arm pacer Lauren Cheatle.
The first Test between India and Australia in four decades promises more intriguing cricket as both teams vie for supremacy.
–IANS
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