The WACA in Perth witnessed a dramatic unfolding on Friday as Australia’s Annabel Sutherland ripped through India’s batting lineup, claiming 4 wickets to bundle the visitors out for 198 in the first innings of the landmark pink ball Test.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, skipper Alyssa Healy’s gambit worked wonders. India’s innings stuttered from the outset with Smriti Mandhana back in the hut for 4. Pratika Rawal’s 18, laced with three fours, ended prematurely against Sutherland’s pace.
Shefali Verma built a promising 35 but fell short of converting it. Jemimah Rodrigues emerged as the standout performer, crafting a patient 52 from 84 deliveries with seven fours, holding the innings together amid collapses.
However, support was scarce. Harmanpreet Kaur mustered 19, Deepti Sharma 7, Richa Ghosh labored to 11 off 41 balls, Sneha Rana 5, Kranti Gaud 1, Sayali Satghare 7, and Kashvee Gautam unbeaten on 34 from 54 balls.
Sutherland’s 17-over spell yielded 46 runs for her four scalps, with Lucy Hamilton snaring 3/31, Darcie Brown 2, and Ashley Gardner one. The Perth pitch’s extra bounce exploited India’s tentative approach, preventing them from crossing 200. As Australia prepares to bat, the match hangs in balance in this rare women’s Test under lights.