Perth, March 7 (NationPress) Lucy Hamilton and Annabel Sutherland shone with the ball once again as Australia solidified their position in the one-off Pink-ball Test against India. The visitors ended the second day at 105/6 in 29 overs, trailing the hosts by 20 runs at the WACA Ground on Saturday.

It was a day where Annabel emerged as the key player, following up her fourth Test century with two wickets in the closing session, showcasing a commanding all-round performance. Her impressive score of 129 off 171 balls exemplified her patience, control, and striking ability.

With support from Ellyse Perry, who scored a composed 76, Annabel helped Australia to 323 in 90.4 overs, establishing a 125-run lead. Indian pacer Sayali Satghare made a mark on her debut with figures of 4-50. Following her first innings success, Lucy made a significant impact again, delivering a crucial spell under lights to take 3-32, while Darcie Brown added a wicket to maintain relentless pressure.

India's batting struggled against the mounting scoreboard pressure and disciplined bowling. Inconsistent strokes and poor shot selection plagued their efforts, with the top order failing to withstand the probing deliveries from Australia's seamers. Pratika Rawal was the only notable resistance, ending the day unbeaten on 43, while Sneh Rana remained not out on 14.

With minimal support from her teammates, India finds itself in a vulnerable position, still trailing by 20 runs with just four wickets in hand. As things stand, Australia is on track for a decisive victory, which would serve as an ideal farewell for their captain Alyssa Healy.

The final session kicked off with Sayali having Alana King caught at cover, followed by Lucy's dismissal of her for a straightforward catch at mid-wicket, concluding Australia's first innings in just 16 balls.

India's second innings commenced poorly as Darcie Brown bowled Smriti Mandhana, while Lucy then dismissed Shafali Verma, who edged a catch behind. Lucy continued her wicket-taking spree, catching Jemimah Rodrigues off a mistimed scoop.

Annabel joined the wicket-taking spree by dismissing Harmanpreet Kaur with a sharp catch at second slip after the Indian captain had momentarily looked to counter-attack. India's middle order fell apart further, with Deepti Sharma being bowled by Lucy, who then had Richa Ghosh caught behind after a successful review.

That double strike left India reeling at 82/6, but Pratika remained resolute amid the collapse, scoring a gritty 43 not out off 84 balls with six boundaries, receiving some support from Sneh as they managed to survive until stumps.

With Australia firmly in control, India faces a daunting challenge to avoid defeat. Their hopes hinge on Pratika and Sneh to prolong their resistance, while Australia eyes a swift conclusion for a commanding victory.

In the morning session, resuming from 96/3, Australia showed dominance as Ellyse and Annabel built on their overnight partnership. Both reached their half-centuries with authority, steadily adding to the scoreboard against India’s bowling under the searing heat.

Ellyse, who last scored fifty in July 2023, looked poised for a hundred before being dismissed lbw to Deepti Sharma on review. Her dismissal came after surpassing 1,000 career Test runs, making her Australia’s leading run-scorer in the format and the first woman to achieve the dual milestone of 1,000 runs and 30 wickets in Tests.

Annabel, dropped on 90 by wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh, carried on confidently, even as Beth Mooney was reprieved twice early in her innings. The 128-run partnership between Annabel and Ellyse allowed Australia to eclipse India’s first-innings score of 198, taking the lead.

The second session saw India attempt a comeback, with Beth’s struggling 19 ending with a chip to short extra cover, followed by Ashleigh Gardner bowled for one, and Smriti Mandhana taking a sharp catch at short leg to dismiss Tahlia McGrath for 13. However, Annabel's dominance ensured Australia’s advantage continued to grow.

She combined crisp drives with calculated aggression, surpassing 700 career Test runs before reaching the three-figure mark off 133 deliveries, becoming the first Australian woman to score four hundreds in the format and the first to record three consecutive tons.

Annabel’s dismissal—caught at long-on by Harmanpreet off Deepti—came after she had anchored Australia’s middle order through a tricky phase. Lucy and Alana further frustrated India by adding a 34-run stand for the ninth wicket after India opted for the new ball under lights, with Kashvee Gautam and Kranti Gaud trying their luck first with the fresh pink ball.

However, they failed to provide the breakthroughs India desperately needed, as Australia surpassed the 300 mark and strengthened their hold on the match. India’s bowlers, led by Deepti and Kranti, maintained pressure but were hindered by poor decision-making in reviews and a lack of ideas while bowling under lights. This troubling trend mirrored their dismal batting performance, leaving hopes for a stronger response to avoid an innings defeat.

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) trail 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