Harmanpreet Kaur ruled out of the day-night Test against Australia

From September 30 to October 3, India and Australia Women will compete in a historic one-off day-night Test match (Thursday). The game is also part of a multi-format series, and both teams are competing for four points. However, India has been dealt a major blow ahead of the Test match, as seasoned batter Harmanpreet Kaur has been ruled out.

She is still recovering from a thumb injury suffered during a practice session prior to the ODI series. She was unable to participate in any of the three One-Day matches. After losing the first two games, India won the third and final game, but the series was a close one throughout. In retrospect, there is also an opportunity for India to attempt a new middle-order batsman.

Kaur didn’t have much of an effect with the bat in the only Test she played during the England tour, scoring 4 and 8 runs in two innings. However, given that this is a pink ball Test, the Mithali Raj-led squad might have used a bit more experience, especially as this is India’s first day-night Test. Yastika Bhatia and Richa Ghosh, for example, are on the visitors’ squad and might replace Harmanpreet Kaur.

The former, who is also a left-hander, wowed many with her temperament in the previous ODI series and might make the XI. Punam Raut will also be vying for a berth in the XI, and it remains to be seen who will be preferred.

Meanwhile, Australia will be without Rachel Haynes, an experienced cricketer who is suffering from a hamstring ailment. In the absence of Haynes, Beth Mooney is in great shape and will begin the innings. Players who performed well in the ODI series are also likely to be selected. This Test is expected to feature Annabel Sutherland, Darcie Brown, and Stella Campbell, among others.