Summary
Australia bowl with Voll and Brown in; India welcome Reddy and Renuka back — the much-anticipated second Women’s ODI in New Chandigarh has delivered a thrilling prelude to the upcoming ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. Fans were treated to a clash brimming with strategic team changes, inspiring comebacks, and the high-stakes energy of elite international cricket.
A High-Stakes ODI as World Cup Looms
With the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup set to light up the subcontinent later this month, both India and Australia are meticulously fine-tuning their squads. Australia’s captain, Alyssa Healy, won the toss and boldly chose to bowl under the 31°C heat, aiming to acclimatise her side to the subcontinental conditions. This bold decision reflected their determination to adapt early and gain a competitive edge for the upcoming global tournament.
Australia’s strategy was clear — rotate, rest, and ready their bench strength without compromising on competitiveness. Meanwhile, India was forced into a key reshuffle after star batter Jemimah Rodrigues was ruled out with viral fever, a blow that could affect their middle-order stability. Tejal Hasabnis joined the squad as her replacement, though she didn’t feature in the playing XI.
India’s Inspired Comeback Selections: Reddy and Renuka Return
India made two impactful changes to bolster their bowling attack. Allrounder Arundhati Reddy and seamer Renuka Singh were named in the XI, strengthening India’s pace and balance. Renuka’s return was particularly special — she came back from a stress fracture layoff and instantly brought an emotional lift to the Indian camp. With Shree Charani rested after a wicketless outing in the first ODI, the team looked to fresh energy to spark a comeback.
Deepti Sharma was promoted to No. 5 to anchor the batting order, filling the crucial slot left vacant by Rodrigues. The team’s composition reflected a clear intent: attack early with the ball, and rely on seasoned middle-order experience with the bat.
Australia’s Bench Power Shines: Voll and Brown Make Their Mark
Australia also rang in two strategic changes. Georgia Voll, who previously impressed in the Women’s Premier League 2025 for UP Warriorz, was given her first international outing in India. Slotted to open the batting in place of Phoebe Litchfield—rested to manage a low-grade quad strain after her commanding 88 in the first ODI—Voll’s inclusion signalled Australia’s confidence in their bench strength.
Joining her was the fiery quick Darcie Brown, making her first international appearance since March. Brown’s raw pace and wicket-taking ability could prove decisive on Indian pitches that reward attacking seamers early on. She replaced Kim Garth, as Australia aim to test combinations ahead of the World Cup.
Full Playing XIs for the 2nd Women’s ODI
India XI: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Arundhati Reddy, Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav, Kranti Goud, Renuka Singh.
Australia XI: Alyssa Healy (capt, wk), Georgia Voll, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Alana King, Georgia Wareham, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown.
What This Means Ahead of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025
This match serves as a crucial testing ground with the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 just weeks away. India are balancing injury concerns with the need for winning momentum, while Australia are showcasing their enviable depth. The return of Renuka Singh could be India’s X-factor in the tournament, while Voll and Brown’s performances will be closely watched as Australia fine-tunes its formidable unit.
As the action unfolds in New Chandigarh, one thing is certain — this ODI isn’t just about points on the board. It’s about confidence, combinations, and setting the tone for the biggest prize in women’s cricket.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who won the toss in the second women’s ODI between India and Australia?
Alyssa Healy won the toss for Australia and chose to bowl first in the second women’s ODI against India in New Chandigarh.
Why was Phoebe Litchfield not playing this match?
Phoebe Litchfield was rested as a precaution to manage a low-grade quad strain after scoring 88 in the opening game.
Which players returned to the Indian team for this match?
India brought back all-rounder Arundhati Reddy and fast bowler Renuka Singh. Renuka returned after recovering from a stress fracture.
Why was Jemimah Rodrigues not available for the second ODI?
Jemimah Rodrigues was ruled out of the series due to viral fever. Tejal Hasabnis was named as her replacement in the squad.
Who made their first international appearance in India for Australia?
Georgia Voll made her first international appearance in India. She opened the batting in place of Phoebe Litchfield.
Which Australian bowler returned to international cricket in this match?
Darcie Brown returned to international cricket for the first time since March, replacing Kim Garth in the playing XI.
Who were the playing XIs for India and Australia in this match?
India XI: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Arundhati Reddy, Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav, Kranti Goud, Renuka Singh.
Australia XI: Alyssa Healy (capt, wk), Georgia Voll, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Alana King, Georgia Wareham, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown.
What was the reason behind Australia opting to bowl first?
Australia wanted to get used to the hot conditions (around 31°C) and acclimatise early, keeping in mind the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup in the subcontinent.