Senior pacer Renuka Thakur has been rested to better manage her workload, with Kashvee Gautam named as her replacement.
India's Renuka Singh Thakur celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Australia's Ashleigh Gardner during the 3rd ODI match between India Women and Australia Women in Hobart, Australia, on Sunday, March 1, 2026. (Photo:X/@BCCIWomen)
The Indian women’s cricket team will face Australia in the only Test of the ongoing multi-format series, scheduled at the WACA Ground in Perth from Friday, 6 March to Monday, 9 March 2026.
Senior pacer Renuka Thakur has been rested to better manage her workload, with Kashvee Gautam named as her replacement.
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“To better manage her workload, Renuka has been advised rest and will be unavailable for selection for the pink-ball Test. The BCCI Medical Team will be closely monitoring Renuka’s fitness progress,” the board stated.
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“The Women’s Selection Committee has named Kashvee Gautam as her replacement. Kashvee was also part of the ODI squad in the ongoing multi-format series,” the statement added.
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Renuka Singh Thakur ruled out of Only-Test against Australia; Kashvee Gautam named replacement.
More details ▶️ https://t.co/2f9NSKfj7r#TeamIndia | #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/S62vA2NSCA
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) March 3, 2026
India suffered a heavy 185-run defeat in the third ODI at the Bellerive Oval, allowing Australia to complete a 3-0 series sweep and take an 8-2 lead in the multi-format series. Chasing Australia’s mammoth 410, India were bowled out for 224 in 45.1 overs. Skipper Alyssa Healy starred for the hosts with a brilliant 158, supported by Alana King’s 4-33, helping Australia dominate the final ODI.
India had started their chase poorly, losing Smriti Mandhana for a duck in the second over. Pratika Rawal and Jemimah Rodrigues attempted a recovery, adding 52 runs for the second wicket, but India couldn’t build a sustained partnership. Pratika scored 27 off 21 balls before being dismissed in the eighth over.
India had earlier clinched the T20I series 2-1, thanks to standout individual performances. Mandhana topped the charts with 129 runs, while Arundhati Reddy led the bowling with eight wickets. For Australia, Georgia Voll impressed with 116 runs, and N. Shree Charani added five crucial scalps.
With the ODI series behind them, India will now look to regroup and make a strong statement in the pink-ball Test at Perth, aiming to bounce back against the formidable Australian side.
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