Perth, March 6 (NationPress) Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland combined for an unbeaten 38-run partnership, leading Australia to a score of 96/3 in 27 overs by stumps, trailing India by 102 runs on the first day of the one-off pink-ball Test at the WACA Ground on Friday.

After successfully bowling out India for 198, Australia faced a challenging session under the lights. Phoebe Litchfield was dismissed cheaply by debutant pacer Kranti Gaud, and captain Alyssa Healy managed just 13, possibly playing her second-to-last international match.

Debutant pacer Sayali Satghare made an impact by removing both Alyssa and Georgia Voll, allowing India to gain early momentum. However, Ellyse and Annabel steadied the ship, growing increasingly confident against the Indian attack.

Ellyse was flawless at the crease, remaining unbeaten on 43 off 62 deliveries, featuring seven boundaries, while Annabel contributed with 20 not out from 29 balls, including three boundaries. India must elevate their performance on Saturday to limit Australia’s first-innings lead.

The concluding session saw Australia refraining from conceding any boundaries for four consecutive overs until Annabel had Sayali top-edging a pull to Beth Mooney. Darcie Brown then concluded India’s innings just shy of 200, with Kranti’s half-hearted pull caught at first slip.

In reply to India’s 198, Australia lost Georgia early, as Sayali's sharp inswinger breached her defenses, bowling her for 2. Ellyse joined Phoebe Litchfield, looking in good form as she drove Sayali through cover for four, but India struck again when Phoebe's brief stay ended at 9, thanks to a brilliant low catch by Jemimah Rodrigues at backward point off Kranti.

Captain Alyssa Healy, in what may be her final international appearance, received a warm standing ovation from the Perth crowd but could not capitalize, edging a delivery from Sayali to Jemimah at backward point for 13. With Australia at 58-3, India's seamers were buoyed, with Sayali and Kranti making the ball swing.

Ellyse, however, continued to build confidence, cutting and driving with authority, while Annabel impressed from the start with her crisp driving through extra cover and a well-placed pull behind square.

India opted for an all-pace attack until the final over, when Sneh Rana was introduced, but Annabel and Ellyse handled her comfortably. Despite early breakthroughs, India will regret not capitalizing further, leaving Australia well-positioned to gain a significant first-innings advantage on Saturday.

Brief scores:

India: 198 all out in 62.4 overs (Jemimah Rodrigues 52, Shafali Verma 35; Annabel Sutherland 4-46, Lucy Hamilton 3-31) trail Australia: 96/3 in 27 overs (Ellyse Perry 43 not out, Annabel Sutherland 20 not out; Sayali Satghare 2-24, Kranti Gaud 1-28) by 102 runs