Trisha Ghosal in New Delhi
It’s decider day. The India–Australia ODI series is tied at 1–1 and the last game at the Arun Jaitley Stadium is a winner-takes-all scenario. While the contest stands in fine balance, both teams still have issues to iron out before the World Cup. India have three matches (today’s clash plus warm-ups against England and New Zealand) and Australia just two (today, and one against England) before their respective campaigns begin.
If Smriti Fails, Then Who?
India’s top five have added 414 runs across the first two ODIs. Smriti Mandhana alone has scored 175 of those, meaning the rest have managed 239 runs at an average of 29.88. The Indian batting either needs to share Mandhana’s load or pray the opener continues her purple patch.
The numbers reveal more than just runs. In the first ODI, Mandhana’s dismissal at 21.3 overs left India 114/1 at 5.38 runs per over. Between her wicket and Richa Ghosh’s arrival, India crawled to 93/3 in 18.4 overs at 5.05. In the second game, India were 192/3 in 32.1 overs (5.98) before Mandhana fell, but slipped to 63/3 in 12 overs (5.25) until Sneh Rana’s cameo. Not only are the others failing to match her volume, they are unable to maintain her tempo. In the opener, India paid dearly for not capitalising on her start.
Should Harmanpreet and Co Risk Renuka?
With Renuka Singh Thakur back, India’s bowling looks transformed – but is she fully fit? She returned after nine months out, bowled an excellent first spell last game, then pulled up in her second. Sneh Rana insisted yesterday, “Renuka is doing pretty well,” but the dilemma remains: do you risk her now, or manage her workload with the World Cup ten days away?
If not Renuka, does Tejal Hasabnis return, or does Shree Charani make her way back? Either choice reshuffles the XI yet again. With the World Cup looming, India still look unsure of their combination.
India’s Catching Question
India’s ground fielding was sharp last game, but they’ve dropped seven catches across the series. Dew played a role in Game One; in Game Two, heavy rain meant no dew and the fielding improved. With dew expected again at Arun Jaitley Stadium, can India replicate their intensity? New ground, new lights – catching efficiency remains a concern.
Will Sophie Molineux Return?
Ahead of the series, Alyssa Healy said Sophie Molineux would not feature. Yet, Georgia Wareham has bowled 11 overs across two games for 77 runs at seven an over. Molineux has been training hard, bowling long spells in the nets and working on fielding in the point region.
Ashleigh Gardner noted yesterday: “Here, it’s red soil, which usually offers more turn. It’s about adapting on the run.” With turn on offer and a ready-made spot, all signs point towards a Molineux return.
The stage is set for a dramatic finish. India and Australia both want the series and the momentum for the World Cup. Dew and turn may play their part in the theatre to unfold at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Probable XIs
India: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Tejal Hasabnis, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Sneh Rana, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Goud.
Australia: Alyssa Healy (c & wk), Georgia Voll, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Alana King, Kim Garth, Darcie Brown.
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