WATCH: Harmanpreet Kaur furious with Alyssa Healy on being given not out after ‘obstructing the field’ appeal

Harmanpreet Kaur once again finds herself amid controversy. This time around it was against Australian Women’s team skipper, Alyssa Healy. Harmanpreet’s well-timed bowling performance played a crucial role for the Indian women’s team. It was courtesy of his brilliant performance with the ball that helped the Indian team navigate a significant challenge in the one-off Test against Australia on Saturday.

Despite India’s diverse bowling efforts, the determined Australian side successfully were able to nullify the hosts’ 187-run lead in the first innings. Having dismissed Tahlia McGrath earlier the star India all-rounder displayed a spirited performance with ball in hand. In a notable instance, Alyssa Healy struck the ball directly towards Harmanpreet, who swiftly returned it to the striker’s end.

Alyssa Healy used her bat as protection, redirecting the ball to the third-man boundary. Harmanpreet Kaur then appealed for obstructing the field, but the umpires awarded four runs for overthrows instead.

Watch the video here:

In the following delivery, Healy attempted a sweep shot but missed. The ball then struck her pads, resulting in an LBW decision by the umpire. Harmanpreet, frustrated by the earlier overthrows, gave a glance at Healy as she walked towards the non-striker after opting for a review. The replays displayed three reds, bringing joy to the Indian players as the Australian captain had to make her way back to the pavilion after scoring 32 runs.

 India needs 75 runs to win the Test match

After taking a lead of 187 runs in the first Innings the Indian Women’s Team was focused enough on winning the match by an innings. But the resilient Australian batting showed a fighting effort in the second innings. The visitors were successful in negotiating the spin but succumbed to the spin of Sneh Rana. The right arm off break was able to pick up four wickets and helped restrict them to a total of 261 runs.

The Indian Women’s team are currently reeling at 29/1 in the chase. The opener Shafali Verma (4) fell in cheaply to Kim Garth caught behind. The openers Smriti Mandhana (13) and Richa Ghosh (4) are on the crease. If India manages to win this Test, it will be historical as it is the first time that an India Women’s Team have beaten Australia in Test matches.