Australia gained the advantage in the pink-ball Test against India at Perth’s WACA Ground by finishing day one at 96/3, trailing by 102 runs. Debutants Lucy Hamilton and Annabel Sutherland impressed with the ball, helping dismiss India for 198. Skipper Alyssa Healy’s decision to bowl first paid off as Annabel took 4-46 and Lucy claimed 3-31.
Darcie Brown and Ashleigh Gardner also contributed with the ball, restricting India’s batting lineup. Jemimah Rodrigues top-scored with 52 for India, while debutant Kashvee Gautam added a valuable 34 not out. Australia, in response, faced a challenging period under lights but managed to stabilize their innings, with Ellyse Perry unbeaten on 43 and Annabel Sutherland on 20.
Australia’s bowlers dominated the final session, preventing India from reaching 200. In their reply, Australia lost early wickets but Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland’s partnership steadied the innings. India’s seamers showed promise, but Australia’s batters gradually gained control. India will need a strong performance to prevent Australia from taking a significant lead in the next innings.
