How Did India's Huge Victory Over Australia in the Second ODI Highlight Their Powerhouse Status?

New Delhi, Sep 19 (NationPress) Australia’s off-spin bowling all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner recognized that their significant 102-run defeat against India in the second ODI highlighted the undeniable strength and status of the hosts as a “powerhouse” in women’s cricket.

The 102-run loss in the second ODI held in New Chandigarh marked Australia’s largest defeat by runs in the 50-over format, allowing India to equalize the three-match series at 1-1. Gardner also noted that this setback provided essential lessons for the visitors and expressed confidence that Australia would respond strongly in the series decider on Saturday.

“While it may not be a direct wake-up call, it certainly illustrates the powerhouse that India is and the strength they bring to the game. We must play our best cricket, and we are fully aware of that. There are numerous lessons to extract from this experience as we prepare for what is a crucial campaign for us. We must take advantage of every opportunity to learn,” she stated.

“Clearly, we have three outstanding ODIs to correct our mistakes, but the last game simply wasn’t our day. We were outplayed in every aspect of the match, and looking ahead, there are plenty of adjustments we can make for tomorrow’s game,” Ashleigh remarked during the pre-match press conference on Friday.

The series decider is set to take place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, which will host its first women’s ODI in nearly 29 years. Gardner emphasized the necessity of quickly adapting to unfamiliar conditions. The only prior experience the Australian players have at this venue was during the latter half of the WPL 2024.

“Reflecting on the previous match and considering that we have several games at venues we have never played at, it’s crucial for us to adapt swiftly. Although this series decider doesn’t contribute to World Championship points, it’s vital as we approach a significant World Cup, and we aim to win as many games as possible,” she explained.

“Competing in a series decider is exhilarating for both teams. There is a lot at stake as we come to a new venue. Many of us have limited experience here, but we can draw on our T20 cricket experiences for guidance. It’s essential for us to adapt on the fly, learn from the last game, and hope to implement those lessons tomorrow,” she elaborated.

She praised India’s bowling strategies, especially their use of straight lines and tight fielding in the second ODI. “Personally, my takeaways from the first to the second game include ensuring we keep the stumps in play for as long as possible, which is what the Indian bowlers managed to accomplish in the second game compared to the first,” she added.

“They made it quite challenging for our batters at times by setting very straight fields and bowling accurately, forcing us to create angles to score. Therefore, for our bowling group moving forward, there are many lessons to learn, particularly about restricting one side of the field,” she noted.

Regarding the availability of left-handed opener Phoebe Litchfield, who missed Wednesday’s match due to a low-grade quad strain, Gardner stated, “Pheebs is training today and will be assessed later. I cannot provide a definitive answer on that front.”

Gardner also discussed the rise of young Indian pacer Kranti Goud, who took three wickets in the second game and has established herself in the squad since her debut in May this year.

“She is undoubtedly a talented young bowler. I faced her a few times in the WPL, and she has shown considerable improvement in a short span. It’s impressive to see the depth of talent India possesses, which is fantastic for them,” she remarked.

“For us, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research on new bowlers we face to avoid surprises, an area we have previously discussed,” she continued.

“Numerous teams globally have emerging bowlers we are unfamiliar with, especially when we don’t compete against various teams consistently; new names often arise,” she added.

“Kranti is one such bowler, and fortunately, we have faced her a bit in the WPL, so we must prepare our strategies for each batter accordingly and attack her with confidence,” she concluded.

During the two ODIs in Chandigarh, many Australian players struggled to cope with the heat, and Gardner acknowledged that the visitors are still adjusting. “Some players are undoubtedly feeling the heat’s effects more than others. It’s about how individuals regulate their body temperatures,” she explained.

“There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but our staff is working hard to mitigate these effects for us. Whether it’s ice baths before the game or finding ways to cool down before stepping onto the field, there are many strategies to lessen the impact of the heat. It’s undoubtedly challenging out there,” she admitted.

“However, when given the chance to take breaks, it’s vital to refuel and hydrate to prevent it from affecting performance. When fatigue sets in, poor decisions can occur,” she continued.

“So, ensuring clarity in your thinking and taking a moment to breathe, whether before facing the next ball or during your next delivery, is essential,” she concluded.