Key points
- Annabel’s innings marks her third Test century
- This was her second century against England
- Australia is in a commanding position in this Test
ISLAMABAD: Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland has engraved her name in the annals of cricket by becoming the first woman to notch a Test century at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), in Ashes’ only Test Match.
The 23 years old, Sutherland stepped onto the pitch in the third session of day one, and brilliantly sustained her innings throughout the two subsequent sessions of day two. She reached the century with a deft cut shot off Sophie Ecclestone, sending the ball racing to the deep point boundary for four runs, bringing her total to 100 from 193 balls faced.
Remarkable innings
This remarkable innings marks her third Test century and her second against England, further solidifying her outstanding legacy in Test cricket. Last year, she dazzled with a score of 210 against South Africa at the WACA, narrowly missing the record for the highest score in women’s Tests, currently held by Ellyse Perry at 213 not out. Sutherland’s first Test century was in the previous Women’s Ashes series, where she scored an impressive 137 not out at Trent Bridge.
In a format that is seldom contested more than once a year and remains absent from domestic women’s cricket in Australia, Sutherland has posted staggering averages near 90 across just six matches.
Australia in command
This game also marks a significant milestone as the first women’s Test at the MCG since 1949 and the inaugural pink ball Test played at this legendary venue. The previous highest score in a women’s Test at the MCG was a modest 83 not out, achieved by England’s Betty Snowball in 1935. Notably, the MCG serves as Sutherland’s home ground, representing Victoria in domestic competitions.
Australia is in a commanding position in this Test, aiming for a clean sweep of 16-0 against England in the series. After bowling England out for 170 on day one, the hosts have pushed their lead close to 100 as day two draws to a close. England has struggled with missed opportunities, including a dropped catch of Sutherland on 29 by Danni Wyatt-Hodge off Ecclestone, and another challenging chance on 31 that went begging for wicketkeeper Amy Jones.
