Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: India suffered a big setback during the first ODI against Australia in Brisbane as captain Harmanpreet Kaur picked up a knee injury while batting. She did not come out to field in the second innings, and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana had to lead the team in her absence.The BCCI confirmed the injury and said their medical team is keeping a close watch on her condition.
“Captain Harmanpreet Kaur has not taken the field in the second innings after sustaining an injury to her left knee while batting. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring her progress. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana is leading the side in her absence,” the board posted on X.Harmanpreet played an important knock, scoring 53 runs off 83 balls, and added key partnerships with Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh and Kashvee Gautam. Mandhana was India’s top scorer with 58, while Kashvee chipped in with 43.Despite India’s efforts, they were restricted to 214 runs. Australia chased the target comfortably, winning by six wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Captain Alyssa Healy scored 50, while Beth Mooney starred with a match-winning 76 and was named Player of the Match. Annabel Sutherland finished the chase with an unbeaten 48.Ashleigh Gardner was the standout bowler for Australia with three wickets.India had earlier won the T20I series 2-1, but now face pressure heading into the second ODI in Hobart on Friday, where Harmanpreet’s fitness will be closely watched.
