India Women vs Australia Women: A Crucial Test Match
“It’s the match that will mark the end of Alyssa Healy’s international career, but it’s a contest where India will have to make all the running,” stated an unnamed source ahead of the one-off Test between India Women and Australia Women, set to take place at the W.A.C.A. Ground in Perth from March 6 to March 9, 2026.
Australia Women won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that could influence the outcome of this pivotal match. The contest is part of the India Women tour of Australia 2026, where the multi-format series is currently led by Australia with a score of 8-4 after their clean sweep in the ODI series.
For India Women, this Test represents a chance to level the series at 8-8, a significant opportunity given their recent form. The visitors played superbly to take the T20I series 2-1, showcasing their potential as they head into this Test match.
As the match unfolds, the start time is set for 10:50 AM IST, with fans able to catch the live telecast on the Star Sports Network and stream it on the JioHotstar app and website.
India’s Playing XI includes notable players such as Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur, while Australia features Alyssa Healy as captain, alongside Ellyse Perry and Beth Mooney.
Alyssa Healy, who has announced that this match will mark the end of her international career, emphasized the importance of patience with the ball, stating, “Patience with the ball will be key.” This sentiment underscores the strategic approach both teams must adopt in this high-stakes match.
Annabel Sutherland, who boasts an impressive Test batting average of 83.71, will be a player to watch as she aims to contribute significantly to Australia’s efforts.
The backdrop to this match includes India’s remarkable achievement of back-to-back home Test victories against England and Australia in December 2023, marking a turning point in their Test cricket journey.
As the match progresses, temperatures are expected to reach around 40 degrees Celsius, adding another layer of challenge for the players on the field.
With the stakes high and a series to level, both teams are set for an exciting contest that could redefine their standings in women’s cricket.
