Harmanpreet Kaur ruled out of day-night Test against Australia

India and Australia Women are set to face each other in a historic one-off day-night Test match from September 30 (Thursday). The game is also the part of a multi-format series and four points are at stake for both the teams. However, ahead of the Test match, India are dealt with a huge blow as their experienced batter Harmanpreet Kaur has been ruled out.

She is yet to recover from the thumb injury she sustained during the practice session ahead of the ODI series. She missed all three One-Day matches. India won the third and final game after losing the first two but it was closely fought series right through. In hindsight, this is also an opportunity for India to try another youngster in the middle order.

In the only Test played on England tour, Kaur hadn’t made a telling impact with the bat scoring 4 and 8 runs in two innings. But with this being a pink ball Test, the Mithali Raj-led side would’ve done with a little more experience as India are playing day-night Test for the first time.

The visitors have the likes of Yastika Bhatia and Richa Ghosh in their squad who can replace Harmanpreet Kaur. The former impressed many with her temperament in the preceding ODI series and might make a cut in the XI as she is also a left-hander. Even Punam Raut will be fighting for the same spot and it remains to be seen who will be preferred in the XI.

Australia also struggling with injuries

Meanwhile, Australia will also miss their veteran cricketer in Rachel Haynes who is struggling with a hamstring injury. Beth Mooney is fit and raring to go as she will open the innings now in Haynes’ absence. The players who impressed in the ODI series are also likely to make a cut. The likes of Annabel Sutherland, Darcie Brown and Stella Campbell are expected to feature in this Test.