“Fielding Didn’t Work, But Bowlers Did Their Job,” skipper Harmanpreet Kaur said after India’s defeat over Australia

Following the host side’s devastating six-wicket defeat to Australia in the first one-dayer here on Thursday, India women’s team skipper Harmanpreet Kaur voiced her displeasure with the fielding effort and urged her teammates to play aggressive cricket.

Even though India scored their highest-ever ODI total of 282/8 against Australia, the visitors managed to chase the goal in the 47th over thanks to a 148-run partnership between opener Phoebe Litchfield (78) and Ellyse Perry (75).

Phoebe, Ellyse, Tahlia McGrath (68 off 55 balls), and Beth Mooney (42) scored runs at freely to easily surpass the goal thanks to careless Indian fielding.

We succeeded in obtaining a manageable total. Fielding was subpar, but the bowlers did their jobs. Dew eventually appeared, but bowlers performed well to keep stumps in play, Harmanpreet said after the game.

However, I didn’t like our fielding; Australia did a fantastic job of preserving runs. Pooja was excellent. We must support one another and play aggressive cricket,” she said.

The batsmen swiftly overcome the early deficit, and this was the “blueprint” the team was hoping for, according to Australia captain Alyssa Healy, who was unable to contribute with the bat at the top of the order after departing for a duck.

“The pattern we wanted to put out there was the exceptional batting style. Our hitters are excellent down the line, which is helpful when the ball starts to slip a little. Girls recovered and shown our want to participate, according to Alyssa.

Ellyse said that her teammates were aware that India would be a formidable opponent and that they urgently needed to “raise the bar.”

A few days before, India had won the one-off Test match against Australia at same location by an eight-wicket margin.

India has pushed us, therefore we must now demand more. I felt like 280 was there, played well in the field, and bowled well for the most of it. The field constraints gave the bowlers little leeway for mistake when the lights came on and the ball started to move. We had a good start and capitalized.

It was satisfying that we never let go of the hold. Our fielding effort was equal to the bowling effort.