The Australian women's Twenty20 outfit has been given a reality check in a shock five-wicket loss to India at Adelaide Oval.
The unfancied Indians chased down their 141-run target on Tuesday to win with eight balls to spare in the opening game of the three-match series.
Wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy, who cracked an unbeaten 41 in Australia's 5-140, said it was a sobering result for the world No.1 home side.
Asked if it was a reality check before the T20 World Cup in March, Healy said: "It is.
"This is what this series and the (following) one in New Zealand are for, it's about blooding some new talent and fresh faces and making a few changes.
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"I don't think it's necessarily a crisis at the moment, being beaten today. I think it will definitely come off."
Australia gave two players their international debuts - Beth Mooney, who made a composed 36 from 36 balls, and Naomi Stalenberg.
But it was only Healy's rapid-fire knock that lifted the Australians to a competitive total. She smacked five fours and two sixes in a stunning 15-ball cameo.
Australia's bowlers then couldn't contain the batters from India, who are ranked fourth in the world.
While Megan Schutt and Jess Jonassen each claimed two wickets, India were steered to victory by Harmanpreet Kaur, who compiled a game-high 46 from 31 balls, and handy knocks from Veda Krishnamurthy (35) and Smriti Mandhana (29).
"Full credit to them, they played out of their skin," Healy said.
"But we will go back and have a look at the way we played and be pretty honest with the things we could have done better."
The teams meet again in Melbourne on Friday and Sydney on Sunday.
