India captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and opted to bowl first in the ODI series finale against Australia at the WACA, as the team seeks a consolation victory following a disappointing start to the series. The conditions in Perth are expected to favour pace bowlers, prompting India to make changes to their lineup, including the recall of fast bowlers Arundhati Reddy and Titas Sadhu.
India were comprehensively outplayed in the first two ODIs in Brisbane, which dashed their hopes of securing a maiden ODI series win over Australia on Australian soil. In a bid to turn things around, the team has made several alterations. Opener Priya Punia, who injured her left knee while fielding in the second ODI and was unable to bat, has been ruled out of this match. Harleen Deol will now open the batting, with Harmanpreet moving up from No.4 to No.3. Leg-spinner Priya Mishra is also excluded from the playing XI.
Australia, on the other hand, have been in near-perfect form since their disappointing T20 World Cup campaign and will field an unchanged side. Despite speculation that fast bowler Megan Schutt might be rested, she remains in the team and will share the new ball with Kim Garth. Ellyse Perry is set to play her 150th ODI, becoming the Australian woman with the most appearances in the format. Georgia Voll will again open the batting alongside Phoebe Litchfield, both of whom have been in excellent form throughout the series.
Perth is experiencing its first heatwave of the summer, with temperatures expected to soar to 39°C during the match. The WACA pitch is anticipated to offer the traditional pace and bounce, ensuring a fast and challenging playing surface.
Australia’s XI: Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney (wk), Annabel Sutherland, Ash Gardner, Tahlia McGrath (capt), Sophie Molineux, Alana King, Kim Garth, Megan Schutt
India’s XI: Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Minnu Mani, Saima Thakor, Arundhati Reddy, Titas Sadhu, Renuka Singh
Author: AK
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