News
Australia Deliver Dominant Win as Healy Bows Out in Perth Test
8 Mar 2026, 4:01 pm
Healy’s Farewell Ends in Perfect Fashion
Australia ensured Alyssa Healy’s farewell Test finished on the highest possible note, crushing India by ten wickets in a one-off day-night match at the WACA Ground in Perth. The emphatic result wrapped up the contest inside three days and sealed a dominant finish to the multi-format series.
Although Healy did not get the chance to bat in Australia’s brief chase, the retiring captain still walked off the field as a winner. Her teammates later lifted her onto their shoulders in emotional scenes that marked the end of a remarkable international career.
Sutherland’s All-Round Masterclass
Annabel Sutherland produced the defining performance of the match, delivering a superb all-round display. She scored a commanding 129 in Australia’s first innings before finishing with match figures of six for 61 from 23 overs.
Her contributions helped Australia build a decisive first-innings advantage that ultimately put India under immense pressure. The performance underlined Sutherland’s growing reputation as one of the most influential players in women’s cricket.
Ellyse Perry also played an important role with a composed 76, helping Australia post a strong total of 323. That score proved more than enough once the bowlers took control of the contest.
India’s Resistance Led by Rawal
India fought hard in patches but struggled to keep pace with Australia across the match. Debutant Pratika Rawal provided the standout effort with a determined 63 in the second innings.
Rawal showed impressive composure for a player making her Test debut. She defended patiently and punished loose deliveries while guiding India past the follow-on target.
Her resistance ensured Australia had to bat again, even if only briefly. The innings also offered encouragement for an Indian side introducing several new players to the longest format.
Spin Duo Finish the Job
India resumed the third day in a difficult position at 105 for six, still needing runs to force Australia back to the crease. Their hopes rested on Rawal and Sneh Rana, who had survived a testing spell late on the second evening.
However, Australia’s bowlers quickly regained control once play resumed. Spinners Alana King and Ash Gardner combined to claim the final wickets and close out India’s innings for 149.
King generated sharp turn on the WACA surface and repeatedly beat the bat, while Gardner removed Rana after a tense period of resistance. Rawal’s determined knock finally ended when she became the last wicket to fall with India leading by only 24 runs.
Swift Chase Seals the Result
Australia required just 25 runs to win and completed the task with minimal fuss. Openers Georgia Voll and Phoebe Litchfield guided the team to victory without losing a wicket.
Voll survived an early lbw decision after successfully reviewing the call, and the pair soon wrapped up the target. The straightforward chase ensured Australia secured victory before lunch on the third day.
Series Triumph Caps Memorable Send-Off
The victory completed a strong turnaround for Australia in the multi-format series. After losing the T20I leg 2–1, they responded by sweeping the ODI series 3–0 before finishing with a comprehensive Test win.
The result also delivered Australia their first women’s Test victory against India since 2006. For Healy, it provided the perfect conclusion to a long and decorated career in international cricket.
A Historic Moment at the Revamped WACA
The match also marked the official reopening of the redeveloped WACA Ground. Fans enjoyed new facilities, including terraces featuring pools and waterslides, as crowds of around 3,500 attended across the opening days.
While the contest itself proved one-sided, the occasion still carried significance for both teams and the venue. For Australia, the Test will be remembered as the match that gave Alyssa Healy a fitting farewell on home soil.
Australia ensured Alyssa Healy’s farewell Test finished on the highest possible note, crushing India by ten wickets in a one-off day-night match at the WACA Ground in Perth. The emphatic result wrapped up the contest inside three days and sealed a dominant finish to the multi-format series.
Although Healy did not get the chance to bat in Australia’s brief chase, the retiring captain still walked off the field as a winner. Her teammates later lifted her onto their shoulders in emotional scenes that marked the end of a remarkable international career.
Sutherland’s All-Round Masterclass
Annabel Sutherland produced the defining performance of the match, delivering a superb all-round display. She scored a commanding 129 in Australia’s first innings before finishing with match figures of six for 61 from 23 overs.
Her contributions helped Australia build a decisive first-innings advantage that ultimately put India under immense pressure. The performance underlined Sutherland’s growing reputation as one of the most influential players in women’s cricket.
Ellyse Perry also played an important role with a composed 76, helping Australia post a strong total of 323. That score proved more than enough once the bowlers took control of the contest.
India’s Resistance Led by Rawal
India fought hard in patches but struggled to keep pace with Australia across the match. Debutant Pratika Rawal provided the standout effort with a determined 63 in the second innings.
Rawal showed impressive composure for a player making her Test debut. She defended patiently and punished loose deliveries while guiding India past the follow-on target.
Her resistance ensured Australia had to bat again, even if only briefly. The innings also offered encouragement for an Indian side introducing several new players to the longest format.
Spin Duo Finish the Job
India resumed the third day in a difficult position at 105 for six, still needing runs to force Australia back to the crease. Their hopes rested on Rawal and Sneh Rana, who had survived a testing spell late on the second evening.
However, Australia’s bowlers quickly regained control once play resumed. Spinners Alana King and Ash Gardner combined to claim the final wickets and close out India’s innings for 149.
King generated sharp turn on the WACA surface and repeatedly beat the bat, while Gardner removed Rana after a tense period of resistance. Rawal’s determined knock finally ended when she became the last wicket to fall with India leading by only 24 runs.
Swift Chase Seals the Result
Australia required just 25 runs to win and completed the task with minimal fuss. Openers Georgia Voll and Phoebe Litchfield guided the team to victory without losing a wicket.
Voll survived an early lbw decision after successfully reviewing the call, and the pair soon wrapped up the target. The straightforward chase ensured Australia secured victory before lunch on the third day.
Series Triumph Caps Memorable Send-Off
The victory completed a strong turnaround for Australia in the multi-format series. After losing the T20I leg 2–1, they responded by sweeping the ODI series 3–0 before finishing with a comprehensive Test win.
The result also delivered Australia their first women’s Test victory against India since 2006. For Healy, it provided the perfect conclusion to a long and decorated career in international cricket.
A Historic Moment at the Revamped WACA
The match also marked the official reopening of the redeveloped WACA Ground. Fans enjoyed new facilities, including terraces featuring pools and waterslides, as crowds of around 3,500 attended across the opening days.
While the contest itself proved one-sided, the occasion still carried significance for both teams and the venue. For Australia, the Test will be remembered as the match that gave Alyssa Healy a fitting farewell on home soil.