Australia’s preparations for the decisive day-night Test against India in Perth have taken an unexpected turn, with injuries forcing late changes to the squad.
The pink-ball Test at the WACA, beginning March 6, represents the final chapter of Australia captain Alyssa Healy’s international career. But with key players sidelined and another in doubt, the hosts now face a test of depth as much as dominance in the multi-format series.
Australia currently hold an 8-4 advantage after a commanding 3-0 sweep of the ODI leg, where each white-ball win earned two points. The four-day Test, however, is worth four points, meaning an Indian victory would draw the series level and result in shared honours. A draw or tie would also split the points, keeping the contest finely poised despite Australia’s white-ball supremacy.
In a significant setback, seamer Kim Garth has been ruled out of the Test with a quad injury, while all-rounder Sophie Molineux will miss the match due to lower back concerns. Adding further uncertainty to Australia’s plans, star all-rounder Ellyse Perry remains in doubt after sustaining a quad injury of her own, placing a question mark over her availability for the pink-ball clash.
With depth suddenly under scrutiny, Australia have turned to reinforcements. Tasmania batter Rachel Trenaman and New South Wales seamer Maitlan Brown have been drafted into the Test squad. For Brown, the call-up marks a return to the national setup after five years, while Trenaman earns her first-ever selection in an Australian squad — a major milestone in her domestic career.
The Test is also set to be a landmark moment for teenage fast bowler Lucy Hamilton. After making her international debut in Hobart on Sunday, the 18-year-old is poised to become Australia’s 186th women’s Test cricketer, continuing the team’s recent trend of backing youth on the biggest stage.
While Australia enters the contest as favourites, injuries have injected intrigue into what was expected to be a straightforward finale. For India, the Test offers a rare chance to claw back momentum and end the tour on a historic note. For Australia, it is about balancing transition, resilience, and one final push for victory, all while farewelling one of the most influential captains in the history of the women’s game.
As the lights come on in Perth, the stage is set for a Test match that promises more than just points, it carries legacy, opportunity, and the closing moments of a remarkable international career.
Australia v India 2026 Test Squads:
Australia
Alyssa Healy (C), Darcie Brown, Maitlan Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Lucy Hamilton, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Rachel Trenaman, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
India
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Deepti Sharma, Renuka Singh, Sneh Rana, Amanjot Kaur, Uma Chetry, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Kranti Gaud, Vaishnavi Sharma, Sayali Satghare
