Australia wary of spin challenge ahead of India Test
After watching England succumb to a 347-run loss to India last week, Australia know that they will have to counter India's spinners as they aim for a first women's Test win on Indian soil.
The only Tests Australia women have played in India have all come in 1984 and each of those four matches ended in a draw.
Now, as they prepare for a Test match in India, Australia's biggest threat will be the turning track that saw the demise of England.
Australia's coach Shelley Nitschke acknowledged that despite the hours spent in practice at the Wankhede stadium, the match has been a "tough one to prepare for".
"Looks like we are going to get some really traditional subcontinent conditions but it's also really exciting," Nitschke said ahead of the Test.
"Think everyone is just embracing the challenge. We are just doing whatever we can to prepare."
In Ashleigh Gardner, Georgia Wareham, Jess Jonassen and Alana King, Australia have a potential four-pronged spin attack to counter India's and will be hoping that the four have a good outing with the red ball.
If all four spinners play, there might be room for only one pacer out of Darcie Brown, Lauren Cheatle and Kim Garth.
"We've certainly got a lot of options and a number of allrounders," Nitschke said.
It's been a hectic first five days in India!
— Australian Women's Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) December 18, 2023
Here's an update from coach Shelley Nitschke on what we've been up to ahead of the Test match starting Thursday #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/VQWka3rZPO
"We aren't really clear on where that will land at the moment, we have some decisions to make."
Alyssa Healy is set to lead the side after recovering from a finger injury caused by a dog bite. She will lead the Test team "unless there's some significant change" according to the coach.
The Test is set to begin on 21 December in Mumbai and will be followed by three ODIs and as many T20Is.