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

Annabel was the highlight of the day, following her previous fourth Test century with two crucial wickets in the final session, showcasing a dominant all-round performance. Her 129 runs off 171 balls exemplified patience and control, paired with precise stroke-play and an unshakeable temperament.

With vital support from Ellyse Perry, who scored a composed 76, Annabel propelled Australia to 323 within 90.4 overs, granting them a 125-run lead. Indian pacer Sayali Satghare made her mark on debut with impressive figures of 4-50. Lucy also made a significant impact under the lights, delivering a decisive spell of 3-32, while Darcie Brown added one wicket, maintaining relentless pressure.

India struggled to cope with the scoreboard pressure and disciplined bowling from Australia. Loose shots and poor selection plagued their batting response, with the top order faltering against the probing seamers. Only Pratika Rawal offered notable resistance, remaining unbeaten on 43 at stumps, while Sneh Rana was not out on 14.

With minimal support from the rest of the lineup, India finds themselves in a precarious position, still trailing by 20 runs with only four wickets in hand. Australia appears poised for a decisive victory that would serve as a fitting farewell for their captain Alyssa Healy.

The final session began with Sayali dismissing Alana King, who was caught at cover, followed by Lucy's catch that gave mid-wicket an easy opportunity, as India wrapped up Australia’s first innings in just 16 balls.

India's second innings commenced poorly, with Darcie Brown dismantling Smriti Mandhana’s middle stump. Lucy soon followed by dismissing Shafali Verma, who edged a catch behind. Lucy struck again in her next spell, capturing Jemimah Rodrigues with a mistimed scoop caught by leg gully.

Annabel joined in on the wickets, claiming Harmanpreet Kaur with a smart catch at second slip after the India captain had briefly threatened to counter-attack with two boundaries. India's middle order further disintegrated as Deepti Sharma was bowled out, followed by Richa Ghosh being caught behind after a successful review.

This double strike left India at 82/6, but Pratika remained resolute amidst the collapse, compiling a gritty 43 not out off 84 balls, including six boundaries. She found some support from Sneh, as the duo navigated India to safety until stumps.

With Australia firmly in control, India faces a daunting task to avoid defeat. Their hopes lie with Pratika and Sneh to continue the fight, while Australia eyes a swift finish for 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) 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.