On an eventful opening day of the historic day-night Test at Perth’s Waca ground, Australia’s bowling attack dominated proceedings, skittling India for a modest total of 198 runs. The occasion carried special significance as it marked captain Alyssa Healy’s final appearance leading the hosts before her retirement from all formats.
Australia’s response with the bat saw them reach 96-3 at stumps, trailing by 102 runs, with the experienced Ellyse Perry remaining unbeaten on a solid 43. The day belonged primarily to Australia’s bowlers, with all-rounder Annabel Sutherland delivering a standout performance of 4-46. Making her Test debut particularly memorable, left-arm fast bowler Lucy Hamilton impressed with figures of 3-31.
India’s innings encountered early turbulence after losing the toss, slumping to 107-5 before Jemimah Rodrigues provided resistance with a determined 52-run contribution that prevented a complete collapse. The visitors’ bowling response saw Sayali Satghare claim 2-24, including the prized wicket of Healy for 13 runs during her final Test innings.
The match narrative took an emotional turn when Healy, walking out to bat amidst applause recognizing her distinguished career spanning 162 T20s and 126 ODIs, was dismissed after beginning to rebuild the innings alongside Perry. Australia will resume day two with Perry (43*) and Sutherland (20*) at the crease, positioned to build a potentially decisive first-innings lead in this four-day contest.