CHENNAI: The performance of the youthful players will be the main focus of the one-off Test match between the South African and Indian women’s cricket teams, which begins this Friday. Five players could make their debut for the Indian team in this Chennai match.
After nearly a decade, South Africa and India will square off in a Test match. Before this game, India had won the three-match ODI series. India’s team is hence regarded as hefty, even in Test matches. Test debuts could be made by Uma Chhetri, Priya Punia, Saika Ishaq, Arudhanti Reddy, and Shabnam Shakeel. In December of last year, India played one Test match each with Australia and England, winning both. The final Test match between South Africa and India took place in Mysore in 2014. India won the game by a score of 34 runs in an innings.
#INDvSA One-Off Test:
Dominant first session for India after winning the toss.
Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma are unbeaten, untroubled even, as they go to lunch 130/0.https://t.co/kGXATx4apJ pic.twitter.com/jcCWjF0Ob8
— Express Sports (@IExpressSports) June 28, 2024
Over her 15-year international career, India’s skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has participated in just five Test matches. The most seasoned player for India is opening batsman Smriti Mandhana, who has one more Test match under her belt than Harmanpreet. Against England and Australia, Mandhana and Jemima Rodrigues performed quite well. All-rounder Deepti Sharma and opening batsman Shafali Verma are also anticipated to play well. On the Chennai pitch of Chepauk Stadium, the spinners are always assisted. Thus, Deepti Sharma can rely on Sneh Rana for solid support.
Women in Blue Charge Ahead in Chennai Test
The Indian Women’s Cricket Team, also known as the Women in Blue, are currently batting strong against South Africa in the ongoing Test match at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. As of June 28th, 2024, they have put up a solid 159 runs on the board without losing a wicket in 33 overs. This comes after a convincing ODI series win against the same opponents.
Opener Smriti Mandhana, known for her stellar record in Test cricket, will be a key player to watch. With the team in a strong position, they’ll be aiming to capitalize on their start and put pressure on the South African batters when they come in to bat.
READ: SMRITI MANDHANA’S BACK-TO-BACK CENTURIES MAKE HISTORY