Harmanpreet Kaur wants bowlers to have more positive plans with ball

It was yet another day to forget as India Women succumbed to a massive 122-run loss against Australia Women in the second ODI at the Allan Border Field, Brisbane. They were first blown away with the bat by Australia, as they put on a mammoth 371/8. Once that happened, India never looked in the game and, in the end, bundled out for just 249. 

India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur believes that they were let down by the bowlers and has urged them to come up with more positive plans. "We created few opportunities [with ball] but unfortunately were not able to take them. They also batted really well, have to give them credit," Harmanpreet said at the post-match presentation. 

"We were expecting some movement early, but there wasn't much. In terms of bowling, we need to think about our plans and how to bowl better. We need to have more positive plans, especially with bowling. We also need to bat longer and bat the whole 50 overs."

Ellyse Perry, who scored 105 off just 75 deliveries coming in at three, praised Phoebe Litchfield (60) and Georgia Voll (101), who scored her maiden international hundred in just her second game. "Volly and Pheebs at the start set the tone beautifully," Perry said.

After Litchfield and Voll put on 130 for the first wicket, Perry and Voll further put Australia in command with 92 off just 78 deliveries for the second wicket.

"We've got complimentary batters throughout the order in style - the way Volly picks the mid-wicket pocket, Phoebe's so proactive with her feet and then having Beth [Mooney] and other left-handers through the middle," Perry said. 

"I had a lot of fun. Great place to play cricket. Really awesome crowd - they always bring a lovely atmosphere."

Skipper Tahlia McGrath, too, was in awe of the way the 21-year-old Voll, who is in the side due to Alyssa Healy's injury.  "Pretty nice to watch. The Voll hundred was the highlight. She looked completely comfortable and played some great shots down the ground. We could see her intent from the beginning," she said.

The series will reach its conclusion with the third ODI, which will be played in Perth on December 11 (Wednesday).

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