21 Aug 2025 : The opening day of the unofficial Test between India Women’s A and Australia Women turned out to be a challenging one for the hosts, as they stumbled to 93 for 5 in a rain-affected contest. Persistent showers interrupted play multiple times, significantly reducing the number of overs possible on Day 1. Despite the shortened session, Australia made the most of the conditions with disciplined bowling, leaving the Indian batting order under pressure.
Winning the toss and opting to bat, India Women’s A hoped to build a strong platform on home soil. However, the Australian bowlers, led by their pacers, quickly seized control of the game. Early wickets disrupted India’s momentum, with the top order struggling to adjust to the seam movement and disciplined line and length of the visiting attack.
The start-stop nature of the day due to frequent rain delays further unsettled the Indian batters. Momentum was hard to build as interruptions forced the players to restart their innings multiple times. By the time play resumed in the afternoon, India were already on the back foot at 40 for 3.
While a couple of middle-order players tried to steady the innings with cautious partnerships, Australia’s bowlers continued to strike at regular intervals. By stumps, India Women’s A were reduced to 93 for 5, with the visitors firmly in control of the game. The Australian fielders backed their bowlers with sharp catches and excellent ground work, keeping constant pressure on the hosts.
The Indian batters will now look to rebuild on Day 2, hoping for more stable weather and longer playtime to mount a fightback. Much will depend on the lower order and their ability to resist the disciplined Australian attack.
For Australia, the first day has provided a strong foundation. With five wickets already in hand and India struggling to find rhythm, the visitors will aim to wrap up the innings early on the second day and gain a first-innings advantage.
The unofficial Test serves as a vital platform for emerging players from both sides to gain experience in longer-format cricket, especially as opportunities in women’s multi-day matches remain limited. Both teams will look to make the most of the contest despite the weather disruptions.
As the match heads into Day 2, the focus will be on whether India Women’s A can stage a comeback or if Australia will continue to dominate proceedings. Weather, once again, may play a decisive role in how the Test unfolds.
Summary
India Women’s A reached 93/5 against Australia on a rain-hit Day 1 of the unofficial Test. Frequent interruptions and disciplined Australian bowling left the hosts struggling, setting up a challenging second day.