Indian women's team to play first-ever pink-ball Test in Australia
What's the story
The Indian women's cricket team will compete in its maiden day-night Test when it tours Australia later this year, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah said on Thursday. Shah made the announcement on his Twitter handle, stating that the move was part of the BCCI's commitment to promoting the women's game. "Taking forward our commitment toward women's cricket," Shah tweeted.
Test
Team will play first Test in seven years against England
"I am pleased to announce that Team India @BCCIwomen will play in their first-ever pink ball day-night Test later this year in Australia," Shah tweeted. The Indian women's team, which will play its first Test in seven years from June 16 in England, will compete in another one during the Australia tour. The team will also play ODI and T20 International matches Down Under.
Twitter Post
Here is what Shah tweeted
Taking forward our commitment towards women's cricket, I am extremely pleased to announce that Team India @BCCIwomen will play in their first-ever pink ball day-night Test later this year in Australia.
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) May 20, 2021
Match
Australia tour dates are likely to fall in mid-September
While the dates of the tour are yet to be announced, it is likely to be in mid-September. India last played a Test in Adelaide against Australia in 2006 in which Australia had won by four runs. The pink ball Test between India and Australia will be only the second such match to be held in the history of women's cricket.
Match
Lone women's day-night game was played between Australia-England in 2017
The only day-night women's game played so far was between Australia and England in Sydney in November 2017. The match ended in a draw. Meanwhile, the Indian squad assembled in Mumbai on Wednesday ahead of the UK tour comprising a Test in Bristol, three ODIs, and as many T20Is. They will quarantine for two weeks before flying out with the men's team.