India Aims for Redemption in ODI Series Finale Against Australia

In sweltering heat at the WACA, Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur opted to bowl first, hoping to secure a consolation victory in the final ODI of the series against Australia. The decision comes after India suffered back-to-back defeats in Brisbane, dashing their hopes of achieving a maiden ODI series win on Australian soil.

India’s struggles in the first two matches, including a crushing 122-run loss in the second ODI, prompted key changes. Pacers Arundhati Reddy and Titas Sadhu were brought back into the lineup, taking advantage of conditions favourable to seam bowling. Meanwhile, leg-spinner Priya Mishra and opener Priya Punia were omitted. Punia, who injured her left knee while fielding in the last game, was ruled out, prompting a reshuffle with Harleen Deol stepping up to open, while Harmanpreet moved up to No. 3.

On the other hand, Australia has been dominant in their first outing since the T20 World Cup. The team remains unchanged, despite speculations about Megan Schutt being rested. Schutt will continue to share the new ball with Kim Garth. This match marks a significant milestone for Ellyse Perry, who becomes the most-capped Australian woman in ODIs, playing her 150th match.

Australia’s young openers, Georgia Voll and Phoebe Litchfield, are looking to maintain their exceptional form. Litchfield, with scores of 46 not out and 101 in the first two games, is aiming to round off a memorable debut series.

The WACA is set to deliver its characteristic pace and bounce, with temperatures soaring to a scorching 39 degrees in Perth’s first summer heatwave.

Playing XIs: Australia: Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney (wk), Annabel Sutherland, Ash Gardner, Tahlia McGrath (capt), Sophie Molineux, Alana King, Kim Garth, Megan Schutt. India: Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Minnu Mani, Saima Thakor, Arundhati Reddy, Titas Sadhu, Renuka Singh.

With fast-paced action expected, all eyes are on how India responds to the challenge in their pursuit of redemption.