Trisha Ghosal in Mullanpur
India’s preparation for the second ODI against Australia was anything but straightforward on Monday evening. What began as a routine warm-up quickly turned chaotic as heavy showers lashed the Mullanpur ground — first at the very start of training, and then again midway through the session. Despite the interruptions, the hosts managed to tick off some key boxes, especially in fielding and batting drills.
The biggest takeaway was Renuka Singh’s involvement in specialised fielding routines. Alongside Harleen Deol, she spent a prolonged period taking high catches in different parts of the ground, adjusting under the floodlights. It wasn’t just routine practice — Renuka’s intensity suggested she is all but certain to slot back into the playing XI. Her inclusion would provide India’s bowling attack with much-needed bite after a lacklustre outing in the series opener.
Harleen, India’s in-form batter, also doubled up with time in the nets, joining youngster Pratika Rawal for a hit. But it was the top-order duo of Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues who spent the longest at the throwdown station. Both worked specifically on staying on top of the ball, trying to smother the bounce and keep their strokes grounded. A few adventurous shots crept in, but the emphasis was on control — an area where India fell behind during the middle overs in the first ODI.
Among the bowlers, N Sree Charani bowled a lively spell and later joined in fielding drills, taking flat catches with sharp reflexes. Her growing presence in the squad continues to draw praise from seniors, and the extra work highlighted her determination to adapt quickly at the international level.
The rains may have dampened the rhythm, but they didn’t dampen the spirit. Between sudden downpours and hurried returns to the dugout, the players exchanged jokes, keeping the mood light. When the skies eventually cleared, the group made the most of the time left, determined not to let the weather take away from their preparation.
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