The exciting three-match ODI series between Australia and India is all set to begin on Thursday, December 5, at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane. The second match of the series will also take place at the same venue on December 8, before the action moves to Perth for the third and final match on December 11.
India’s struggles against Australia in ODIs Down Under
Notably, Team India have historically found the going tough on Australian soil in Women’s ODIs. Out of the 16 matches played in Australia, India have managed just four wins. Their last bilateral series in September 2021 ended in a 1-2 defeat, despite India showing glimpses of brilliance, including an epic chase in the third ODI.
India’s approach and key players to watch
India will look to improve their record against Australia and carry the momentum from their recent performances into the series. Key players to watch include Smriti Mandhana, the consistent left-handed opener known for her elegant stroke play, who will be crucial against Australia’s strong bowling attack. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, a reliable middle-order batter with power-hitting prowess, will play a vital role in setting or chasing targets.
Renuka Singh Thakur, in fine form, will be key with her ability to strike early and deliver pinpoint yorkers at the death. All-rounder Deepti Sharma provides balance with her economical off-spin and lower-order contributions, while wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia‘s ability to stabilize and accelerate adds depth to India’s lineup.
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India’s best starting XI for the ODI series against Australia:
1. Smriti Mandhana (vc)
- Role: Opening Batter
- Strength: Smriti is known for her elegant stroke play and consistency at the top of the order. Her ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed makes her a crucial part of the batting lineup.
- What she brings to the team: As the vice-captain, Smriti brings a calm and composed demeanor, providing stability and leadership at the top. Her left-handed batting adds variety, and her experience in international cricket makes her a dependable opener against strong bowling attacks.
2. Priya Punia
- Role: Opening Batter
- Strength: Priya is a technically sound batter who excels in building partnerships. Her ability to rotate the strike and find gaps helps in setting a solid foundation.
- What she brings to the team: Priya complements Smriti Mandhana at the top, ensuring steady starts. Her calm approach under pressure is vital for negotiating the new ball and tiring out opposition bowlers early.
3. Jemimah Rodrigues
- Role: Middle-Order Batter
- Strength: Jemimah’s versatility allows her to adapt to various game situations. She is adept at playing spin and pace, and her strike rotation is exceptional.
- What she brings to the team: Jemimah provides flexibility in the batting order, acting as a bridge between the top and lower middle order. Her athleticism in the field is an added asset.
4. Harmanpreet Kaur (c)
- Role: Middle-Order Batter, Captain
- Strength: Harmanpreet is a power-hitter capable of turning games with her big-hitting ability. She thrives under pressure and has a knack for performing in clutch situations.
- What she brings to the team: As captain, Harmanpreet leads by example with her aggressive mindset. Her experience and tactical acumen are crucial in high-stakes games, and her part-time off-spin adds depth to the bowling attack.
5. Harleen Deol
- Role: All-Rounder
- Strength: Harleen is a dynamic player who contributes with both bat and ball. Her ability to play unorthodox shots and pick crucial wickets makes her a valuable asset.
- What she brings to the team: Harleen’s versatility allows her to adapt to different roles in the middle order. She is also a brilliant fielder, capable of saving runs and taking stunning catches.
6. Yastika Bhatia (WK)
- Role: Wicketkeeper-Batter
- Strength: Yastika is a reliable middle-order batter with the ability to build and stabilize innings. She is also sharp behind the stumps.
- What she brings to the team: Yastika’s dual role as a wicketkeeper and a batter gives the team flexibility in team combinations. Her calm approach in run-chases adds value.
7. Deepti Sharma
- Role: All-Rounder
- Strength: Deepti is a dependable off-spinner and a capable batter in pressure situations. Her ability to bowl economically and bat aggressively in the lower order is invaluable.
- What she brings to the team: Deepti provides balance to the side with her all-round abilities. She can deliver breakthroughs in the middle overs and finish games with the bat.
8. Radha Yadav
- Role: Left-Arm Spinner
- Strength: Radha is known for her ability to extract turn and bowl tight lines. Her variations make her a wicket-taking option in the middle overs.
- What she brings to the team: Radha’s left-arm spin adds variety to the bowling attack. She is also a livewire in the field, often saving crucial runs and creating opportunities for run-outs.
9. Titas Sadhu
- Role: Fast Bowler
- Strength: Titas has raw pace and the ability to swing the ball early. Her sharp bouncers and yorkers are effective against top-order batters.
- What she brings to the team: Titas provides a fresh pace option to the attack, which is critical for picking early wickets. Her ability to bowl in death overs adds depth to India’s bowling resources.
10. Renuka Singh Thakur
- Role: Fast Bowler
- Strength: Renuka’s ability to swing the ball both ways makes her a potent weapon with the new ball. She also excels at bowling in the powerplay and death overs.
- What she brings to the team: Renuka is India’s spearhead in the pace department. Her disciplined lines and knack for breaking partnerships make her indispensable in crucial matches.
11. Minnu Mani
- Role: All-Rounder
- Strength: Minnu is an emerging talent who can contribute with both bat and ball. Her off-spin is deceptive, and she is a capable hitter in the lower order.
- What she brings to the team: Minnu adds depth to the batting lineup and provides a solid spin-bowling option. Her ability to handle pressure is promising for high-intensity games.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
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