With just six months left for the ICC Women’s World Cup (March 4 to April 3 in New Zealand), India, the runners-up of the 2017 edition, are struggling to set their house in order.

Big blow first up

Mithali Raj & Co suffered their seventh ODI loss in nine matches when they went down to Australia in the first ODI on Tuesday. India posted 225-8 in their 50 overs, thanks to skipper Raj’s 63, her fourth consecutive half-century in ODI cricket. Australia were ruthless in their chase, completing the target in 41 overs after Rachel Haynes slammed an unbeaten 93 and Alyssa Healy scoring 77. Meg Lanning scored an unbeaten 53 as the hosts won by nine wickets at Harrup Park, Mackay to extend their winning streak to a record 25 matches.