Hitting a double hundred in any format of the game takes not just extraordinary talent and assured technique but also perseverance and mental toughness. One of the greatest ever nations to play our beautiful game, Australia has a rich history of producing cricketing legends. Their knack for producing some of the most calm, cool, and collected players is one of the many reasons as to why they have emerged as world beaters. From Sir Don Bradman and Ricky Ponting in the men’s game to Bellinda Clark and Ellyse Perry on the women’s side of things, Australian cricketers have consistently dominated the record books with their awe-inspiring batting performances. Take a look at the top 5 highest individual scores in the Women’s Test for Australia.
Ellyse Perry
Topping yet another list is arguably Australia’s greatest-ever women’s cricketer. Ellyse Perry holds the record for the highest individual scores in the Women’s Test for Australia.
In the annals of cricket history, certain performances stand out as iconic displays of skill and determination. This knock by Perry against England at Sydney is the epitome of cricketing brilliance. Batting first, the visitors England were bowled over for a modest 280 runs. In the second innings, the hosts were in a precarious situation at 3-61 when Perry walked to the crease. She scored 213 runs in 374 balls. Her innings comprised 27 boundaries and a single six. She displayed great composure and had a great balance of aggression in her innings. Australia recorded a score of 9- 448 before declaring. The match ended in a draw as England scored 2-206 in their second innings.
Annabel Sutherland
The latest addition to this list of Australian cricketers pulling off Herculean tasks is the 22-year-old all-rounder Annabel Sutherland. South Africa is currently touring Australia for a multi-format series comprising 3 T20Is, 3 ODIs, and 1 test. Having won both the white ball series, Australia started off the test match riding high on confidence. Bowling first, Australia steamrolled the visitors and bowled them out for a mere 74 runs. Coming to bat when Australia were 4-167 and in a comfortable position, Annabel displayed her entire collection of shots. From flamboyance to elegance and everything in between, Annabel’s innings was a treat to watch. Scoring 210 in just 256 balls, Sutherland recorded the fastest-ever double hundred in the women’s test. Her innings comprised of 27 boundaries and 2 sixes, playing shots all around the ground. Her innings put Australia in a match-winning position in the test match.
Karen Rolton
Coming in third place in the list of highest individual scores for Australia is Karen Rolton with an unbeaten score of 209. She achieved this feat against England during their tour of England in 2001. Having won the toss, the then Australian skipper Belinda Clark elected to bowl first. Bowling first, Australia knocked over the hosts for a modest 144 runs. In the second innings, having lost their first wicket cheaply Karen Rolton came in with the score reading 1-16. Karen Rolton looked assured and batted with confidence. Scoring at a steady strike rate of 66.76. Her knock of 209* lasted 313 balls and comprised of 29 boundaries and the solitary six. Her record-breaking knock saw her team take a lead of 239 runs while declaring at a score of 4-383. Knocking over England for just 245 runs in their second innings, just seven runs separated Australia and victory in the fourth innings. Australia went on to win the test by 9 wickets. Her match-winning knock saw her being awarded as the joint player of the match along with Claire Taylor (England).
Michelle Goszko
At fourth place in this list consisting of some of Australia’s best-ever cricketers, is Michelle Goszko. Facing a formidable English bowling attack in challenging English Michelle Goszko displayed great technique and resolve as she crafted her innings. Her ability to defend the ball and capitalizing on the lose deliveries was a master class for everyone to watch. Having a reply to the opposition’s every strategy. England didn’t seem to have any answers to Goszko’s batting that day. Having rolled over the English side for 103 in the first innings, Australia amassed 344 runs before getting bowled over. Goszko scored majority of the Australia’s runs, scoring 204 runs before getting dismissed. Her stay at the crease lasted 345 balls and comprised of 24 boundaries. On a tough pitch, her brilliant knock saw Australia take a 241-run lead and eventually go on to win the match by an innings and 140 runs.
Annabel Sutherland is now part of an elite list. 🤩#CricketTwitter #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/DUXOsoXAm3
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) February 16, 2024
Joanne Broadbent
In 1998, at the picturesque grounds of Guildford, Joanne Broadbent etched her name in cricketing history with a double hundred for the ages against England women. In addition to showcasing her extraordinary talent, her brilliant innings also demonstrated her tenacity and resolve on the field. Throughout her batting tutorial like innings, Broadbent produced a wide range of shots with perfect timing and accuracy. Over the course of her historic knock, the English bowlers were kept at bay by her ability to rotate the strike and find gaps regularly in the field.
Batting first hosts England mounted a daunting 414 runs on the board. Coming in at 1-28, Broadbent had her task cut out for herself with Australia still trailing by 386 runs. She scored 200 of 476 balls and scored 25 boundaries in the process. Her knock saw Australia take a 155-run lead. The match ended in a draw as England went on to score 1-169 in the second innings.