Lucy Hamilton Shines on Debut: Australia Dominate India in Pink-Ball Test
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Perth, March 6 (NationPress) In an impressive debut, Australia’s fast bowler Lucy Hamilton took three wickets on the opening day, limiting India to 184/8 in 57 overs at the dinner break during the unique pink-ball Test at the WACA Ground on Friday.
India, starting the second session at 99/4, quickly lost Deepti Sharma to Annabel Sutherland. Subsequently, Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh managed to build a solid 23-run partnership off 62 balls.
However, their efforts were cut short when Richa was dismissed by Ashleigh Gardner, and Jemimah, who scored a composed 52—marking her fourth fifty in Tests and second against Australia—was caught flicking a delivery from Lucy to square leg, giving the young bowler her second wicket.
Lucy soon struck again, dismissing Sneh Rana cheaply, completing her impressive three-wicket haul on debut. India’s tail-enders faced anxious moments, with Kashvee Gautam being dropped by Beth Mooney on 16, which spared the visitors from further trouble. Kashvee is currently not out on 22, while Sayali Satghare remains unbeaten on seven.
The day's play showcased how Australia’s bowlers exerted constant pressure with the pink ball, taking advantage of the bounce and seam movement on the lively WACA pitch, leaving the hosts firmly in control as they headed into the final session.
Earlier, Australia’s pace attack dismantled India’s top order in the first session, reducing them to 99/4 in 27 overs at tea. Annabel, Lucy Hamilton, and Darcie Brown ensured that Australia maintained dominance, especially notable as this marks Alyssa Healy’s final international match as captain.
India is currently trailing 8-4 in the multi-format series and is participating in Tests for the first time since mid-2024. They awarded debut caps to Kashvee, Sayali, Pratika Rawal, and Kranti Gaud.
Brief scores:
India 184/8 in 57 overs (Jemimah Rodrigues 52, Shafali Verma 35; Lucy Hamilton 3-31, Annabel Sutherland 3-38) against Australia