india women Are you ready for a high-risk trip? Australiawith Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Unveiling a 15-member Test squad that blends new promise with experience. The multi-format series, starting on February 15, will feature three T20Is, three ODIs and conclude with a one-off Test match at the WACA, Perth from March 6 to 9. With Australia being one of the toughest destinations to tour, the selection indicates India intend to build depth with an eye on the future of women’s Test cricket.
led by Harmanpreet Kaurwith Smriti Mandhana As his deputy, the team reflects continuity in leadership and a calculated gamble on emerging talent.
New faces ready for possible test debut
The biggest topic of discussion in the selection is to include Pratika RawalWho has not featured in competitive cricket since her breakout run in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup. Raval finished as the fourth-highest run-scorer in that tournament with 308 runs in six innings. His campaign was cut short by an ankle injury, causing him to miss the knockout stages, but before that he made a strong impression with two fifty-plus scores, including one against Australia. Her opening partnership with Mandhana turned out to be one of India’s biggest positives during the title-winning run.
The 20-year-old left-arm spinner is also in line for a possible Test debut Vaishnavi Sharma. Vaishnavi, who entered international cricket only in December last year, has impressed the team management with her courage to flight the ball even in the risky white-ball formats. Despite Australian conditions traditionally favoring pace over spin, India are keen to invest in a spinner who is not afraid to attack.
With Rawal and Vaishnavi, Seamer Kranti Gaur And Sayali SatghareAlso an all-rounder Amanjot KaurAdd to the list of players who can get valuable red-ball exposure on the tour.
Also read: Shreyanka Patil returns after India women’s white ball team announced for Australia tour
The core lineup remains largely intact
While the new faces add intrigue, the core of India’s batting remains largely unchanged from the side that last played a Test against South Africa in June 2024. The experience with Mandhana will once again be central. jemima rodriguesAnd Shafali Verma Forming the backbone of the batting order.
Rodrigues, in particular, brings back memories of Australia, scoring a match-defining century that knocked the hosts out of the ODI World Cup. Harmanpreet and Mandhana’s extensive Women’s Big Bash League experience, as well as their familiarity with the conditions, will be crucial in countering Australia’s home advantage.
In the bowling department, Renuka Singh She remains the only capped Test pacer, but will be supported by a versatile pace group that offers variety and athleticism. Uma Chhetri Has been named as the backup wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh In all formats, with Yes Kamalini ruled out.
Indian team for the only test against Australia
Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Amanjot Kaur, Richa Ghosh (WK), Uma Chhetri (WK), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Renuka Singh, Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaur, Vaishnavi Sharma, Sayali Satghare.
Also read: Smriti Mandhana No! Marizanne Kapp predicts India’s next captain after Harmanpreet Kaur
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.
