Retiring captain Alyssa Healy begins her farewell tour with Australia needing to bounce back against a confident India side in the ODI leg of the multi-format series

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Australia’s dominance in women’s cricket is facing one of its sternest tests in recent years. After surrendering the T20I leg 2-1 at home, the spotlight now turns to the ODI series against India, with the hosts needing at least two wins from three matches to claim the multi-format trophy. The contest at Allan Border Field in Brisbane comes at a pivotal moment — not just for the team’s transition phase under Sophie Molineux, but also for the farewell chapter of Alyssa Healy’s illustrious international career.

For the first time in nearly a decade, Australia’s grip on global supremacy appears vulnerable. India arrive as reigning ODI World Cup champions, having famously chased down 339 in the semi-final earlier this year — a result that many believe could redefine the balance of power in women’s cricket. Powered by depth, resources and the rise of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), India are no longer challengers; they are genuine standard-setters. However, they are yet to defeat Australia in an ODI bilateral series — a record they will be eager to overturn.

All eyes will be on Alyssa Healy as she begins her retirement tour. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter, who last featured in the World Cup semi-final heartbreak, has shown encouraging signs in domestic cricket and will aim to provide both runs and leadership. Alongside her, Australia’s experienced core — including Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner — must rediscover the clinical edge that has defined their golden era.

India, meanwhile, boast match-winners across departments. Jemimah Rodrigues remains a key figure after her unforgettable World Cup semi-final century, while Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur anchor a formidable batting unit. Emerging names such as Pratika Rawal and Kashvee Gautam further highlight India’s growing bench strength, reinforcing their status as a side on the rise.

Brisbane’s humid conditions traditionally favour swing bowling, especially with the new ball, and Australia’s seamers have historically thrived at Allan Border Field — where they remain unbeaten in completed ODIs. Yet with momentum on India’s side and a symbolic farewell adding emotional weight, this ODI series promises to be more than just another bilateral contest. It could offer crucial insight into whether women’s cricket is truly witnessing a long-anticipated power shift — or if Australia still have one more dominant chapter left to write.