Sophie Molineux on why Mackay locals should watch Australia v India

Spin bowler Sophie Molineux, a country girl herself, shares why she wants to see Mackay people out in force on Friday night and Sunday watching the green and gold take on India.

Aussie opener Rachael Haynes smashed 93 not out to help Australia to a nine-wicket win over India in the first of three One-Day Internationals at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay on Tuesday.

Haynes hit seven boundaries en route to 93 not out as she and opening partner Alyssa Healy set about chasing down India’s earlier target of 225 runs.

Healy was caught off the bowling of Poonam Yadav on 77 after smacking 10 boundaries including two sixes.

Rachael Haynes of Australia bats during game one of the Women's One Day International series between Australia and India at Great Barrier Reef Arena on September 21, 2021 in Mackay, Australia. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

She was replaced at the crease by first drop Meg Lanning who raced to 53 not out as Australia chased down India’s target with nine wickets to spare.

Darcie Brown, who was named player of the match, finished with 4/33 off nine overs including the key scalps of opening pair Shefali Verma (8 off 10) and Smriti Mandhana (16 off 18).

Darcie Brown of Australia watches on as Meg Lanning attempts to catch a ball during game one of the Women's One Day International series between Australia and India at Great Barrier Reef Arena on September 21, 2021 in Mackay, Australia. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

India was 0-31 when Verma was caught behind by Aussie wicketkeeper Healy, and when Haynes produced a diving catch to dismiss Mandhana just two overs later the Aussies had all the momentum.

Sophie Molineux of Australia bowls during game one of the Women's One Day International series between Australia and India at Great Barrier Reef Arena on September 21, 2021 in Mackay, Australia. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

Spinner Sophie Molineux took two wickets including that of India’s top-scorer Mithali Raj after she had helped lead a mid-order Indian revival – smacking 63 off 107 deliveries.

That was the key domino to fall for the Indian middle order. Only three other batters managed to reach double digits.

Australia’s Sophie Molineux catches out Pooja Vastrakar of India during game one of the Women's One Day International series between Australia and India at Great Barrier Reef Arena on September 21, 2021 in Mackay, Australia. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

Australia pinned India back and limited the team to 225 runs. The green and gold hit 227 runs from 41 overs with just one out.

Molineux, speaking on Thursday, said Brown’s bowling spell was pivotal to the Aussies’ victory.

“It was a really good day for us – just to go out there again and play in the green and gold was really cool,” she said.

“Darce … was getting the ball right up around the Indian girls’ helmets so it was really good to watch.

Darcie Brown of Australia bowls during game one of the Women's One Day International series between Australia and India at Great Barrier Reef Arena on September 21, 2021 in Mackay, Australia. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

“And Hannah Darlington really grabbed her opportunity and she looked really at home out there which was good.”

Molineux said she was really excited for the Friday and Sunday games to complete the series, hoping Mackay cricket fans would come out in droves to create a good atmosphere.

Sophie Molineux of Australia catches out Pooja Vastrakar of India during game one of the Women's One Day International series between Australia and India at Great Barrier Reef Arena on September 21, 2021 in Mackay, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

“Hopefully the locals come out on Friday night after work and can come and watch another strong performance and a good game between the two teams because there is definitely a lot of batting power and Darcie’s bowling is quite quick as well so it’s a bit of a spectacle,” she said.

Sophie Molineux of Australia celebrates with teammates after dismissing Mithali Raj of India during game one of the Women’s One Day International series between Australia and India at Great Barrier Reef Arena on September 21, 2021 in Mackay, Australia. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

“I think personally I relax a bit more when I’m out here in country towns, even just going for a walk along the water here, everyone says g’day. Everyone here in Mackay has been lovely.

“I think we all appreciate the opportunity to come out to country areas and to slow down a little bit and play in front of local crowds passionate about it.”

This three-game ODI series kicks off the summer for the Australian women’s cricket team which will end the season with the Ashes and World Cup.

Poonam Yadav of India bowls during game one of the Women's One Day International series between Australia and India at Great Barrier Reef Arena on September 21, 2021 in Mackay, Australia. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

Molineux said India was a class act on and off the field.

“Starting off the summer against India who is a quality team and definitely going to be up there at the end of the year … we have a bit of confidence from that last game and hopefully we can keep building,” she said.

“It’s going to be an interesting and exciting year.”

GAMES TO COME

Friday, September 24: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, start time 3.10pm local time

Sunday, September 26: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, start time 10.05am local time

For more information visit cricket.com.au/tickets