Women of Australia are set to face Women of India in an exciting three-match ODI series, starting on December 5, 2024, at the Allan Boundary Grounds in Brisbane. This series marks an important encounter as it is the first time these teams will meet since their last series in January where Australia emerged victorious in both the T20 and ODI formats.
Australia have an advantage over India as favorites in the ODI series
Australia enters this series with a strong record against India in ODIs. In the last meeting during the first half of the year, Australia convincingly won all three ODIs, displaying their depth and ability in all aspects of the game. The main players like Phoebe Litchfield AND Ellyse Perry have been instrumental in their recent successes, with Litchfield particularly shining with her hitting ability.
India will be looking to bounce back from earlier defeats and will rely heavily on experienced players like Harmanpreet Kaur AND Smriti Mandhana to lead from the front. The team has shown potential but will need to step up their performance to effectively challenge the formidable Australian side.
With both teams eager to secure dominance early in the series, fans can expect competitive matches packed with high-quality cricket. The first ODI promises to set the tone for what could be an exciting series ahead.
ALSO READ: Yastika Bhatia ruled out ODI series against Australia, replacement announced
Australia’s best XI for ODI series against India:
- Phoebe Litchfield
- role: Opening the dough
- Strengths: Litchfield has shown outstanding form in domestic cricket, being among the top run scorers Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). Her aggressive batting style and ability to play with pace and spin make her an outstanding opener.
- iMPACT: As an opener, Litchfield can set the tone for the innings. A strong start from her can put pressure on the Indian bowlers and provide a strong foundation for the middle order.
- Beth Mooney
- role: Opening the dough
- Strengths: Mooney is known for her consistency and ability to anchor the innings. She combines solid technique with an aggressive mentality, making her a dual threat.
- iMPACT: With her experience and ability to forge partnerships, Mooney can stabilize the innings if early wickets fall, also stepping up when needed.
- Tahlia McGrath
- role: Comprehensive / Capt
- Strengths: McGrath has emerged as a strong leader and an influential middle-order batsman. Her versatility allows her to adapt her game to match situations.
- iMPACT: As captain, she will play a crucial role in the strategy against India. Her hitting can be essential in both stabilizing and accelerating the scoring rate.
- Ellyse Perry
- role: Versatile
- Strengths: Perry is one of the best all-rounders in women’s cricket, known for her powerful batting and effective bowling. Her experience in high pressure situations is invaluable.
- iMPACT: Perry’s ability to contribute with bat and ball makes him a key player. She can change the game with important goals or explosive shots.
- Full Georgia
- role: Medium order batter
- Strengths: Voll has shown impressive form in the domestic leagues, showing her ability to score quickly under pressure.
- iMPACT: As a young talent, she brings fresh energy to the team. Her performance in the middle half will be crucial to maintain the momentum.
- Sophie Molineux
- role: Versatile
- Strengths: Molineux offer spin on the left wing along with strong lower-order batting. She is effective in keeping runs and taking wickets.
- iMPACT: Her bowling could be particularly useful against India’s left-handed batsmen, while the depth of the batting adds resilience to the line-up.
- Ashley Gardner
- role: Versatile
- Strengths: Gardner is known for her explosive batting and useful off-spin bowling. She can clear boundaries with ease and has a knack for taking important wickets.
- iMPACT: Her role as a finisher can be crucial in high-scoring matches. Moreover, her bowling can provide breakthroughs at crucial moments.
- Alana King
- role: Spinner
- Strengths: King is known for her leg-spin bowling, which can be particularly effective on turning tracks. It has good control and variations.
- iMPACT: Her ability to take wickets in the middle overs can disrupt India’s batting pace and secure important breakthroughs.
- Megan Schutt
- role: Fast Bowler
- Strengths: Schutt is one of Australia’s leading fast bowlers, known for her swing and seam movement. She is adept at taking early wickets.
- iMPACT: As a batsman, Schutt’s performance will be vital to put pressure on India’s top order from the start.
- Darcy Brown
- role: Fast Bowler
- Strengths: Brown brings pace and aggression to the bowling attack. Her ability to play footballers makes her a dangerous option on set pieces.
- iMPACT: Brown’s early breakthroughs can significantly curb India’s scoring rate, making him an essential part of the bowling line-up.
- Annabel Sutherland
- role: Fast Bowler / All-rounder
- Strengths: Sutherland combines pace with all-round skills, providing depth to both batting and bowling.
- iMPACT: Her contributions with both bat and ball make her a valuable asset, especially in tight matches where every run counts.
ALSO READ: Australia announce ODI squads for series against India and New Zealand, with two different women captains
This article was first published on WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
