The Indian women’s cricket team will lock horns with the world’s top-ranked side Australia women in the first ODI of the three-match series on Tuesday, September 21.
The start of the ODI series had to be postponed by two days after COVID-19 outbreaks in Sydney and Melbourne - the two cities which were scheduled to host the three 50-over matches.
The rise in coronavirus cases has forced the entire series to be relocated to Queensland and will be played at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, earlier known as Harrup Park.
Led by Meg Lanning, the hosts return to action after a six-month break since registering a 3-0 clean sweep against New Zealand women in the three-match ODI series away from home.
The Australian women’s cricket team will miss the services of veteran fast bowlers Megan Schutt, Belinda Vakarewa and spinner Jess Jonassen. While Jonassen has been ruled out due to a stress reaction in her lower leg, the two pacers have made themselves unavailable for selection due to personal reasons.
On the other hand, Mithali Raj-led India head into the ODI series after suffering a 1-2 series defeat against England women in the 50-over format in the UK.
The Women in Blue have also made a disappointing start to its Australia tour after losing their warm-up match against the hosts by 36 runs.
Furthermore, vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur is doubtful for the series opener as she recovers from a quad injury sustained in the 100-ball tournament held in the UK.
India will look to bounce back from their setback and put on an improved show in the first ODI on Tuesday.
Australia women vs India women ODI squads
Australia women’s ODI squad: Meg Lanning (captain), Rachael Haynes (vice-captain), Darcie Brown, Maitlan Brown, Stella Campbell, Nicola Carey, Hannah Darlington, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy (wicket-keeper), Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney (wicket-keeper), Ellyse Perry, Georgia Redmayne, Molly Strano, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham
India women’s ODI squad: Mithali Raj (captain), Harmanpreet Kaur (vice-captain), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Punam Raut, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Yastika Bhatia, Taniya Bhatia (wicket-keeper), Shikha Pandey, Jhulan Goswami, Meghna Singh, Pooja Vastrakar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Poonam Yadav, Richa Ghosh (wicket-keeper), Ekta Bisht
Where to watch Australia women vs India women first ODI live in India?
The Australia women vs India women 1st ODI will be telecast live from 5:35 AM on the Sony Six and Sony Six HD TV channels in India.
Live streaming of the Australia women vs India women first ODI will be available on SonyLIV and JioTV.
Featured photo: Twitter/BCCI
