Buoyed by recent encouraging results and revenge in mind, India under Harmanpreet Kaur will begin their final phase of preparations for the Women’s World Cup with a three-match ODI series against the Australia, starting here Sunday. For Harmanpreet Kaur‘s side, the series offers not just a chance to fine-tune combinations ahead of the home World Cup but also an opportunity to avenge the 0-3 whitewash suffered in Australia last December.
Since that setback, India under Harmanpreet Kaur have enjoyed an impressive run, sweeping Ireland 3-0 at home, winning a tri-series in Sri Lanka involving South Africa, and beating England across formats (T20Is 3-2, ODIs 2-1). India are coming off a strong period in ODIs: they’ve lost just two out of the 11 ODIs they’ve played this year including a recent 2-1 win against England away. This three-match series could be an important marker in the lead-up to the home World Cup which starts on September 30.
All eyes will be on pacer Renuka Singh, who returns to international cricket after nearly nine months following a stress fracture. Renuka will lead India’s three-pronged seam attack alongside Kranti Goud who is the highest wicket-taker in the England ODIs, and Arundhati Reddy. The spin department is well-stocked with Sneh Rana, who impressed during the Sri Lanka tri-series, young Shree Charani, as well as the seasoned duo of Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav.
In batting, Smriti Mandhana will continue to open with Pratika Rawal, who has cemented her place in Shafali Verma’s position. Harleen Deol has also been consistent at No 3, while Harmanpreet and Jemimah Rodrigues provide experience in the middle order. Record seven-time world champions Australia will be playing their first internationals since the Ashes in February but remain confident given their settled core.
Keeper-batter Beth Mooney, who has been a standout performer against India in recent ODIs, once again poses a big threat in Australia’s top order. On the bowling front, Megan Schutt, the experienced pacer, will be Australia’s go-to wicket-taking option. Left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux, recovering from knee surgery, is unlikely to play the India series with an eye on the World Cup. Uncapped wicketkeeper Nicole Faltum and all-rounder Charlie Knott have been included for exposure and are expected to feature only if injuries arise.
Ahead of her side’s first ODI against Australia, Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur said that these three ODIs against the world champion are of massive importance to the team and there will be opportunities given to everyone throughout this series to keep the squad fresh heading into the marquee tournament. The first of the three-ODIs between India and Australia will take place on Sunday at New Chandigarh, as India aim to ramp up preparations for the home ICC Cricket World Cup starting from September 30 against Sri Lanka at Guwahati.
Harmanpreet Kaur is confident India can win vs Australia on any given day ahead of 1st ODI
India’s progress in critical areas such as fielding and fitness, along with positive on-field results, reinforces captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s belief that they can defeat a formidable team like Australia, she stated on Saturday. As the eight-team ODI World Cup approaches, India’s final preparations will include three ODIs against Australia, starting on Sunday.
Harmanpreet Kaur highlighted that while Australia’s established set-up has allowed them to dominate globally, India is now ready to challenge them with a comparable brand of cricket.
“We have been working hard for the last year and showing daily improvement. However, Australia has had a strong set-up for a long time, playing dominating cricket,” Harmanpreet Kaur told the media before the first ODI.
“We are now in that race, and based on the Indian team’s performance over the last year and a half, we are at a stage where everyone thinks we can beat them.”
“In the past, we worked hard, but now we have seen results, especially in fielding and fitness. While Australia has been very dominant, we are now seeing our efforts pay off,” she said.
Harmanpreet Kaur expressed her belief that her team can defeat the seven-time World Cup champions.
“They have played excellent cricket globally and dominated, but I believe we have a good team capable of beating them any day,” she stated.
“The process over the past year and a half has led to significant improvement. In our last series in England, we defeated one of their best teams, showing we are on the right track,” she added.
Harmanpreet Kaur also emphasized the importance of the collective time spent by this group of Indian cricketers in enhancing the team’s performance.
“Many of the players have been together for years. We know our potential and believe we can beat any team on any day, which is crucial,” she noted.
“Regardless of where or when we play, having belief is essential, and results will follow. We aim to play our best cricket in these three matches and change the statistics,” Harmanpreet Kaur added.
With aggressive opener Shafali Verma missing out on the ODIs against Australia and the World Cup, Harmanpreet expressed confidence in Pratika Rawal.
“No doubt, Shafali’s presence motivates the team to win. However, Pratika has shown impressive numbers and confidence. She has proven her talent quickly, and we cannot ignore that,” Harmanpreet said.
“Pratika provides stability to the team. We hope she continues her strong performance. The next month and a half are crucial, and rather than focusing on who is in the team, we should concentrate on our game.”
“Shafali has been a key player for us, and we will miss her. But Pratika has made a strong start and delivered good performances. We depend on her and trust she will perform well,” Harmanpreet concluded.
The first two ODIs will be played here in Mullanpur before the series-decider in New Delhi on September 20.
Teams for Ind vs Aus ODI seriesÂ
India:Â Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh, Kranti Goud, Sayali Satghare, Radha Yadav, N Sree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Sneh Rana.
Australia: Alyssa Healy (c), Tahlia McGrath (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicole Faltum, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Charlie Knott, Phoebe Litchfield, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham.
Also Read: ENG-W vs IND-W: Harmanpreet Kaur’s Blazing 82-Ball Century Seals India’s Series Win