IND vs AUS, One-Off Test: Spinners Spearhead India to Maiden Test Win Against Australia

Mumbai: Culminating a historic first “home season” in 28 years, India Women clinched a maiden Test win over cricketing giants Australia in the one-off match in Mumbai. The victory was more than just a scoreline; it was a statement of dominance and resilience.

The team displayed exceptional skills with both bat and ball, initiating a collapse in Australia’s second innings, snatching the remaining five wickets for 28 runs. Subsequently, they comfortably chased down a modest target of 75 runs.

Smriti Mandhana (38*) and Jemimah Rodrigues (12*) celebrated the achievement with a warm hug, reminiscent of India’s subdued reaction in 2008 after beating Australia. The team’s flawless performance throughout the home Tests against Australia and England showcased their commitment to playing ‘positive cricket.’

Playing more than one Test at home for the first time since 1995, India Women demonstrated dominance, securing the biggest win by runs against England and their first-ever triumph over Australia in 11 Tests. With seven wins, six defeats, and 27 draws in 41 Tests, India’s impressive record underscores the need for more ‘home’ Tests in the future.

The recent victories highlighted the emergence of new Test stars, including Jemimah Rodrigues, Shubha Satheesh, Renuka Singh Thakur, and the debutant Richa Ghosh, who scored 52 against Australia.

On the fourth day, Indian spinners, led by Sneh Rana, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Deepti Sharma, wreaked havoc on the Australian resistance, bundling them out for 261 in the second innings. India’s earlier batting prowess, with a total of 406 in the first innings, set the stage for their comprehensive victory.