Alyssa Healy’s decision to bowl first reaped rich rewards. Smriti Mandhana’s early exit for 4 left India reeling at 10/1. Prathika Raval’s aggressive 18, laced with three fours, ended in Sutherland’s grip. Shefali Verma built patiently to 35 but fell short of a big score.

Jemimah Rodrigues rose to the occasion, crafting a composed half-century from 84 balls with seven fours, stabilizing the innings momentarily. However, support was scarce: Harmanpreet Kaur scratched around for 19, Deepti Sharma for 7, and Richa Ghosh labored to 11 off 41 balls.

Lower down, Sneha Rana (5), Kranti Gaud (1), and Sayali Satghare (7) offered scant resistance. Kasvi Gautam remained not out on 34 from 54 balls, but the damage was done. Australia’s bowlers exploited the lively pitch to perfection – Lucy Hamilton grabbed 3/31, Darcy Brown 2, and Ashley Gardner dismissed Ghosh.

As pink ball Test cricket returns to women’s game, India’s first-innings total leaves them battling to stay competitive. Australia, buoyed by Sutherland’s heroics, will look to build a substantial lead on day one evening.

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.