Perth, March 7 – Lucy Hamilton and Annabel Sutherland shone with the ball once again as Australia tightened their grip on the one-off Pink-ball Test against India, as the visitors closed the second day at 105/6 in 29 overs, trailing the hosts by 20 runs at the WACA Ground in Perth on Saturday.
It was a day where Annabel once again stood out – she followed up her fourth Test century with two wickets in the final session, capping a dominant all-round performance. Her 129 off 171 balls was a masterclass in patience and control, along with crisp stroke-play and an unflappable temperament.
Supported by Ellyse Perry's composed 76, Annabel helped Australia reach 323 in 90.4 overs, as the hosts gained a 125-run lead, with Indian pacer Sayali Satghare taking 4-50 on her debut. Just like in the first innings, Lucy made her mark again by producing a decisive spell under lights, taking 3-32, while Darcie Brown chipped in with one wicket to maintain the relentless pressure.
India's batting faltered under the pressure of the scoreboard and disciplined bowling. Loose strokes and poor shot selection undermined their reply, with the top order unable to withstand the probing lines of Australia's seamers. Only Pratika Rawal offered real resistance, remaining unbeaten on 43 at stumps, while Sneh Rana was not out on 14.
However, with little support from the rest of the lineup, India remain in a precarious position, still trailing by 20 runs with only four wickets in hand. As of now, Australia are on course for a clinical victory that would mark a fitting farewell for their captain Alyssa Healy.
The final session began with Sayali having Alana King caught by cover, before Lucy lobbed off her to give mid-wicket a simple catch, as India took only 16 balls to wrap up Australia's first innings.
India's second innings began on a disastrous note as Darcie Brown rattled Smriti Mandhana's middle stump. Lucy then dismissed Shafali Verma, who edged away from her body and gave a regulation catch behind the stumps. Lucy struck again in her next spell as Jemimah Rodrigues' mistimed scoop was caught by leg gully.
Annabel joined the wicket-taking act by claiming Harmanpreet Kaur with a sharp catch at second slip after the India captain had briefly threatened to counter-attack with a pair of boundaries. India's middle order crumbled further as Deepti Sharma was castled through the gate by Lucy, who followed it up by having Richa Ghosh caught behind after a successful review.
That double strike reduced India to 82/6, but Pratika stood firm amid the collapse by compiling a gritty 43 not out off 84 balls with six boundaries. She found some support from Sneh, as the pair took India to safety till stumps arrived.
With Australia already in control, India face an uphill battle to avoid defeat. Their hopes rest on Pratika and Sneh to extend the fight, but Australia will be eyeing a swift finish to get a commanding victory.
Brief scores:
India 198 and 105/6 in 29 overs (Pratika Rawal 43 not out, Sneh Rana 14 not out; Lucy Hamilton 3-32, Annabel Sutherland 2-15) trailing Australia 323 all out in 90.4 overs (Annabel Sutherland 129, Ellyse Perry 76; Sayali Satghare 4-50, Deepti Sharma 2-67) by 20 runs
