Day 2: Annabel Sutherland and Tammy Beaumont score Maiden Test Centuries, Ecclestone picks Fifer

Tammy Beaumont’s unbeaten century propelled England back into contention on Day 2 of the Women’s Ashes Test at Trent Bridge. However, it was Annabel Sutherland’s remarkable hundred on debut that initially gave Australia the upper hand.

Sutherland’s unbeaten 137, the fastest Test century by an Australian woman, guided Australia to their highest first innings total in a women’s Test, reaching 473 despite Sophie Ecclestone’s impressive five-wicket haul. England, in response, finished the day at 218 for 2, trailing by 255 runs.

STUNNING SUTHERLAND!!

Goes unbeaten scoring 137 Runs in 184 Balls (16×4, 1×6)#CricketTwitter #Ashes2023 pic.twitter.com/lDiBtNSQ2D

— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) June 23, 2023

Sutherland’s exceptional innings, which included several records, seemed to dominate the day. Not only did she register the highest score by a batter at No. 8 or lower in a Women’s Test, but she also achieved the fastest Test hundred by an Australian woman, reaching the milestone off just 148 balls. Ecclestone’s heroic effort finally came to an end in her 47th over when she dismissed the last Australian wicket, Darcie Brown.

MAIDEN TEST 5-WICKET HAUL for Sophie Ecclestone 🔥🔥

She bowled 46.2 overs, conceding 129 Runs. #CricketTwitter #Ashes2023 pic.twitter.com/ghtFEaZ5jz

— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) June 23, 2023

Australia’s bowling struggled early on, with Brown and Kim Garth failing to find their rhythm and frequently bowling full tosses. However, Sutherland made an immediate impact, taking an early wicket as England aimed to chase down Australia’s total. Tammy Beaumont’s knock not only kept England in the game but also made her only the second Englishwoman, after captain Heather Knight, to score a century in all three formats. Knight contributed 57 runs, supporting Beaumont in a partnership of 115 runs for the second wicket. Nat Sciver-Brunt added to England’s strong performance, ending the day unbeaten on 41 runs.

Sutherland made a breakthrough in her first over, dismissing Emma Lamb, caught at second slip by Jess Jonassen. In Australia’s innings, Sutherland and King extended their partnership, adding 34 runs to the overnight total of 328 for 7. Australia’s ability to build partnerships proved crucial as Sutherland and Gardner added 77 runs for the seventh wicket. Ecclestone, who bowled tirelessly throughout the innings, took the remaining wickets. However, Ecclestone managed to catch Brown’s return catch, signaling the end of Australia’s innings.

CENTURY!!!

Tammy Beaumont joins the party with a stellar 💯 in 154 balls. #CricketTwitter #Ashes2023 pic.twitter.com/DEjONNyjLx

— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) June 23, 2023

Day 2 witnessed an intriguing battle between the two teams, with both England and Australia displaying their strengths. Beaumont’s century revived England’s hopes, setting the stage for an enthralling continuation of the Test match.