Melbourne is set to host a thrilling one-off Test match between India and Australia from March 6 to 9, following the conclusion of their ODI series. In a bold move, Australia has unveiled its squad, spotlighting two uncapped talents: Rachael Trenaman and Maitlan Brown.
Both youngsters earned their call-ups after impressive showings for Australia A against India A in a four-day red-ball encounter in Brisbane last August. They will link up with the team in Perth this week, providing crucial depth amid several injury concerns.
The inclusions come at a perfect time. Garth’s quad injury and Sophie Molineux’s back issue have sidelined key players, while Ellyse Perry nurses a quad problem that might limit her to batting duties if she recovers in time. Trenaman steps in as Perry’s cover, marking her senior team debut.
Maitlan Brown, a 28-year-old pacer, returns to the Australian setup for the first time since 2021. Her domestic form has been outstanding this season, claiming 16 wickets in 10 matches for New South Wales. Meanwhile, fast bowler Kim Garth is ruled out due to injury.
With Molineux unavailable, Alyssa Healy takes the captaincy reins. This will be Healy’s final international outing, capping a stellar career. She recently smashed a magnificent 158 off 98 balls in her last ODI against India on Sunday.
Australia’s Test squad boasts experience and youth: Alyssa Healy (c), Darcie Brown, Maitlan Brown, Ashley Gardner, Lucy Hamilton, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, and Georgia Voll.
India’s lineup, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, features Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Amanjot Kaur, Richa Ghosh (wk), Uma Chetry (wk), Pratyusha Raval, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Renuka Thakur, Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud, Vaishnavi Sharma, and Sayali Satghare.
Fans are buzzing with anticipation for this rare women’s Test, where Australia’s refreshed squad aims to dominate on home soil.