India Women concluded their first ‘home season’ of Test cricket in 28 years with a historic maiden victory over Australia in a one-off Test match in Mumbai on December 24. The win marked a significant achievement for the Indian team, capping off a season characterized by exemplary performances with both bat and ball.
Playing more than one Test at home for the first time since 1995, India Women displayed a flawless performance, hardly putting a foot wrong. The team adhered to the promise of playing ‘positive cricket,’ weathering challenges and dictating terms against fancied opponents like Australia and England.
India’s clinical performance in the two home Tests played at the Wankhede Stadium and the DY Patil Stadium against England showcased a consistent level of excellence. The team scripted the biggest win by margin of runs against England, and their first-ever triumph over Australia in 11 Tests added another victory to their record.
In 40 Tests, India now boasts seven wins and six defeats, with 27 matches drawn. The dominating show prompts a reconsideration of hosting more ‘home’ Tests in the future, as such games have been rare occurrences in women’s cricket.
The recent Tests witnessed the emergence of new Test stars in Jemimah Rodrigues, Shubha Satheesh, and Renuka Singh Thakur against England. Against Australia, 20-year-old Richa Ghosh made a notable debut with a crucial 52 runs.
On the fourth day of the match against Australia, Indian spinners played a pivotal role. Sneh Rana, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Deepti Sharma collaborated to wreak havoc on the Australian resistance. The collapse of Australia, aiming to build on a slender lead, led to the loss of five wickets in the first 45 minutes of the day, ultimately conceding the game to India.
Pooja Vastrakar and Sneh Rana initiated the damage, while Rajeshwari Gayakwad’s spin added crucial breakthroughs. Australia’s second innings concluded at 261 after scoring 219 in their first essay, as India’s bowlers displayed dominance.
India’s batting brilliance continued as they posted 406 in the first innings, recording their highest total ever against Australia in Tests. Despite early breakthroughs, Richa Ghosh and Smriti Mandhana’s partnership secured the meager target of 75 with ease, sealing an eight-wicket win.
As the historic victory was sealed, captain Harmanpreet Kaur and the team celebrated with a sense of accomplishment. The win not only marked a significant achievement for the current team but also raised hopes for more ‘home’ Tests in the future, emphasizing the growth and success of women’s Test cricket in India.
Q1. Which stadium hosted India Women’s historic maiden Test victory over Australia in their home season?
Sol. The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Q2. How many Test matches did India Women play at home in their recent season?
Sol. They played two Test matches at home.
Q3. Who were the emerging Test stars for India Women against England in the recent Tests?
Sol. Jemimah Rodrigues, Shubha Satheesh, and Renuka Singh Thakur.
Q4. What was the target set by Australia in the fourth innings against India?
Sol. The target was 75 runs.
Q4. Who were the key bowlers for India in the match against Australia on the fourth day?
Sol. Sneh Rana, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Deepti Sharma
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