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On the second day of the one-off Test at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Friday (December 22), the Indian women’s team showcased their batting prowess, continuing their dominance over Australia Women. Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh set the tone with impressive performances in the morning session of the second day, laying a strong foundation. The trio’s contributions, coupled with crucial innings from other players, propelled India to a commanding position.
Ashleigh Gardner’s bowling surge for Australia
In a bid to make a comeback, Ashleigh Gardner emerged as the key performer for the Australian women’s team. The off-spinner struck thrice in quick succession, dismissing Jemimah, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and Yastika Bhatia. Gardner’s impactful spell shifted the momentum in Australia’s favour, creating a challenging phase for the Indian batting lineup.
Deepti Sharma and Pooja Vastrakar’s resilience
Facing a challenging situation after Gardner’s burst, Deepti Sharma and Pooja Vastrakar exhibited resilience and determination. The duo, relatively new to the pitch conditions, formed an unbeaten partnership of 102 runs. Their composed and calculated approach not only stabilized the innings but also ensured that India ended the day on a high, extending their lead over Australia.
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India’s firm grip heading into Day 3
As the second day concluded, India found themselves in a commanding position with a total score of 376/7, establishing a substantial lead of 157 runs over Australia. Deepti and Pooja’s unbeaten partnership proved instrumental in steering India away from potential setbacks. Heading into Day 3, India holds a firm grip on the match, looking to further consolidate their position and put Australia under pressure.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
I'm sure Deepti Sharma's parents will be delighted with her Test half-century, but how on earth is her mum going to get that shirt clean? #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/dfvexICQmN
— Raf Nicholson (@RafNicholson) December 22, 2023
Deepti Sharma player of the match loading #INDWvAUSW #INDvsAUS
— John Wright (@johnwright15) December 22, 2023
This is why I wanted Richa Ghosh to be in the XI
The only way to beat Australia is to play aggressive cricket, India did well to play her but did even better to bat her at 4 on this pitch
The kind of player who can take the match away from the opposition if she bats 2 sessions
— Mohit Shah (@mohit_shah17) December 22, 2023
Lower order runs hit different when it comes from your favourite side #INDvAUS
— Bas De Joker (Perry's Version) (@Jokeresque_) December 22, 2023
My goodness, this team is bloody masterful, and to do that to the mighty Aussies, uff! Give them more tests, please @BCCIWomen #INDvAUS
— Showrya (@showryat) December 22, 2023
When your back is against the wall, rise up like a wall in yourself against all the odds! ♥️ #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/GtOYLSM43P
— Ritwika Dhar (@RituD307) December 22, 2023
Team India ends the day with a lead of 157 runs 🏏
Scorecard: https://t.co/z1ZLwcZy5R#women #cricket #INDvAUS #indiancricket #australiacricket #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/SqfTgz9CFc
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) December 22, 2023
Mumbaikars, rally the troops 📢
Let's fill Wankhede tomorrow for Day 3 of #INDvAUS. Bosslady Deepti and superstar Pooja Vastrakar at the crease. Let's dominate those Aussies with our voices 🗣
— Radha (@radhalathgupta) December 22, 2023
In what has been a wonderful day for the batters, a shout out to the fans at the stadium today, pretty loud throughout cheering for every boundary and applauding the batter after they get out also. Could hear a lot of it on TV as well
Looking forward to joining them tom#INDvAUS— Deep Gadhia (@deeppgadhia) December 22, 2023
There are no players more valuable than Pooja Vastrakar and Deepti Sharma when the Indian women play a Test. In both these games, they have performed with the bat and the ball. This is a format where the good players stand out. They are more than just good players #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/rTqgmuOOwB
— Gaurav Nandan Tripathi 🜃 (@Cric_Beyond_Ent) December 22, 2023
The longer the format, the more sensational Deepti Sharma is. A unique cricketer, she shouldn't be compared to anyone.
— Anuj Nitin Prabhu (@APTalksCricket) December 22, 2023
Another excellent day on the field! 👏
Deepti Sharma (70*) & Pooja Vastrakar (33*) take #TeamIndia to 376-7, with a first innings lead of 157 runs at the end of Day 2 💪
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/7o69J2XRwi#INDvAUS | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/1cooBBvnZy
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) December 22, 2023
Stumps in Mumbai! Ash Gardner led the Aussie fightback with four wickets but Deepti Sharma and Pooja Vastrakar piled on the runs in the final session to put India in a very strong position.
Scorecard: https://t.co/PcuKMjRrFX #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/OiO2mtOiA1
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 22, 2023
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
