Smriti Mandhana produced a remarkable fielding moment during Day 2 of India Women’s one-off Test against Australia Women at the WACA Ground in Perth. Positioned at forward short leg midway through the day’s play, the Indian vice-captain reacted quickly to complete a sharp catch off Tahlia McGrath.
The impressive effort helped Shafali Verma claim her first wicket of the match, leaving Australia Women at 277/8 in 75.2 overs.
Mandhana’s Reflex Catch Provides Breakthrough
The moment came during the 76th over of Australia’s first innings on March 7. Fielding close to the batter, Mandhana responded instantly to a flying inside edge from Tahlia McGrath and managed to hold on to the chance with quick reflexes.
Her catch handed Shafali Verma a crucial breakthrough, removing McGrath for 13 runs from 32 deliveries and reducing Australia to eight wickets down.
Australia Maintain Control Despite Fielding Highlight
Despite Mandhana’s outstanding catch, Australia Women continued to dominate the match and crossed the 300-run mark around the midway point of Day 2.
After the hosts lost openers Georgia Voll to Sayali Satghare and Phoebe Litchfield to Kranti Gaud late on Day 1, Ellyse Perry steadied the innings at number three with a brisk 76 from 116 balls that included 10 boundaries and a six.
Veteran captain Alyssa Healy managed 13 runs in what is her farewell Test appearance. Meanwhile, all-rounder Annabel Sutherland anchored the innings with a century, scoring 129 from 171 balls with 17 fours.
Earlier in the match, India were bowled out for 198 in 62.4 overs after choosing to bat first. Jemimah Rodrigues top-scored with 52 from 84 balls, the only half-century in the innings. Smriti Mandhana was dismissed for four off 13 deliveries on the opening day.
Shafali Verma contributed 35 at the top of the order, but Australia’s bowlers kept control with Annabel Sutherland taking four wickets and Lucy Hamilton claiming three.
At the time of publishing, Australia’s first-innings lead had crossed the 100-run mark.
India Face Tough Task In Crucial Test
India Women, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, need a win in the Perth Test to level the multi-format series against Australia at 8–8.
The tour began with India claiming a 2–1 victory in the T20I series. However, Australia, captained by Alyssa Healy, responded with a 3–0 sweep in the ODI leg.
With Australia building a substantial first-innings lead, India now face a difficult challenge as the match progresses in Perth.
