The stage is set for a historic contest as Australia and India prepare to clash in a one-off women’s pink-ball Test at the WACA Ground in Perth, the final match of the ongoing multi-format series. With pride and momentum, this clash has added significance for both teams despite Australia having already retained the trophy.
The hosts currently lead the multi-format series 8-4 after sweeping the ODI leg 3-0, while India earlier claimed the T20I series 2-1. Under the series points system, a Test win would have seen India draw level at 8–8, so the final match was crucial for Harmanpreet Kaur even though Australia had already clinched the overall title.
CAN HEALY FINISH ON A HIGH?
Apart from the context of the series, the focus will definitely be on Australia captain Alyssa Healy, who is set to play her final international match for the national team. One of the most influential players in modern women’s cricket, Healy will be looking to sign off in style in front of her home crowd in Perth. The wicketkeeper-batsman recently performed a spectacular farewell in ODI cricket, smashing a match winning 158 off just 98 balls in Hobart to help Australia seal the series 3–0 over India.
The blistering knock, littered with boundaries and played with blistering strike rate, served as a reminder of Healy’s ability to command attacks on big occasions. In the pink-ball Test, the veteran will be hoping to end her international career on a similarly positive note and lead Australia to another appearance.
WILL PERRY PLAY?
Australia will also monitor the fitness of star all-rounder Ellyse Perry ahead of the match. Perry missed the ODI series due to quad strain but has returned to training and is looking to prove her fitness ahead of the Test. According to Australia head coach Shelley Nitschke, the team is optimistic about her availability, although her role may be limited if she is not fully fit. Nitschke suggested that Perry could still feature in the playing eleven purely as a specialist batsman if bowling was not an option.
If Perry does not play, Australia could turn to fast bowler Maitlan Brown, who was drafted into the squad after Kim Garth was ruled out with a quad strain. The 28-year-old returns to the national team for the first time since 2021 after an impressive domestic season where she took 16 wickets in 10 games for New South Wales.
INDIA SET FOR NEW FACES
For India, the pink ball Test presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Historically, the team has faced the longest format in Australian conditions and is yet to record a Test victory on Australian soil. With the WACA pitch expected to aid pace and bounce under the lights, quick adaptation will be key for the visitors.
India could also give away debut caps as they look to inject new energy into the side. Young all-rounder Kranti Gaud is among those tipped to make his Test debut, offering balance with his ability to contribute with both bat and ball. Meanwhile, the fast-bowling all-rounder Kashvee Gautam received her first test call after replacing Renuka Singh who was rested as part of workload management.
With senior players like Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma and captain Harmanpreet Kaur anchoring the line-up, India will look to put up a strong collective performance against one of the most dominant teams in women’s cricket.
When to watch Australia vs India, Pink-ball Women’s Test live?
The pink ball women’s Test between India and Australia will start at 10:50 IST, 1:20 PM local time and 5:20 GMT.
When to watch Australia vs India, Pink-ball Women’s Test live?
Star Sports has the broadcast rights for the women’s pink-ball Test between India and Australia. Live streaming of the match will be available on JioHotstar.
Australian Women Vs. India Women Head-to-Head
Overall
Matches – 11, Australia – 4, India -1, Draw – 6
In Australia
Matches – 6, Australia – 4, India -0, Draw – 4
Australian women vs Indian women teams
India
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Amanjot Kaur, Richa Ghosh (WK), Uma Chetry (WK), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Kashvee Gautam, Sneh Rana, Kranti.Gaud, Sagharey Vaish.
Australia
Alyssa Healy (c), Darcie Brown, Maitlan Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Lucy Hamilton, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Rachel Trenaman, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
05 March 2026 16:06 IST
