Despite England’s aspirations for a redemption on day two of the Women’s Ashes Test, Australia yet again showcased their dominance. With a lead of over 250, they have solidified their position in the match. A win in this match, would not only be a testament to their superiority throughout the series but also pave the way for a historic Ashes whitewash.
By the close of play on Day 2, Australia had amassed a huge total of 422 runs for the loss of five wickets, establishing a commanding lead of 252 runs over England. They remained in control from the very first ball, building on their overnight total.
Phoebe Litchfield continued with her performance from the previous day, departing after scoring 45. But it was Annabel Sutherland who led the charge with a brilliant 163 off 258 balls, becoming the first woman to score a Test century at the MCG. Her 154-run partnership with Beth Mooney took the game further away from England, as they struggled to get breakthroughs despite Sophie Ecclestone’s determined effort, bowling 39 overs for 2 wickets.
Ashleigh Gardner also contributed a crucial 44. Mooney remained unbeaten on 98 at stumps. England found themselves guilty of eight dropped catches and countless run leaks further lowering their morale.
Highlights from the match:
Annabel Sutherland (Australia) – 163(258)
Crafting a historic innings of 163 off 258, Annabel became the first woman to score a Test century at the MCG and joined an elite club with three Test centuries for Australia, equaling Betty Wilson and Jill Kennare.
The 23-year-old was promoted to No. 3 due to Ellyse Perry’s injury and adapted brilliantly. She smashed 21 fours and a six, with her best shot threading through two close fielders for a boundary. While England’s bowlers, especially Sophie Ecclestone, troubled her at times, their fielders let her off the hook, dropping her multiple times.
She built crucial partnerships-154 runs with Beth Mooney and half-century stands with Phoebe Litchfield and Alyssa Healy. Sutherland was bowled for 163, undone by a lack of footwork as Ryana MacDonald-Gay’s delivery nipped through the gate to hit off stump leaving Australia at 324/4.
Beth Mooney (Australia) – 98(149)
It was a historic Test match for Mooney as she eyed dual records – claiming most runs in the multi format Ashes and a maiden Test century. She rose to the occasion, inching ever closer to achieving both milestones. She finished the day, unbeaten on 98, hitting seven fours. She stitched a beautiful partnership of 154 with Sutherland and 81 with Ashleigh Gardner.
Mooney, however, rode her luck as she was dropped three times before reaching 19, with England’s fielders missing straightforward chances. MacDonald-Gay and Ecclestone both dropped easy chances. Maia Bouchier then missed another simple catch in the gully when Mooney was on 18.
Sophie Ecclestone (England) – 2/134(39)
Sophie Ecclestone was perhaps the only bright spot for England on the bleak Day 2. With figures of 39 overs, 134 runs, and 2 wickets, Ecclestone bowled tirelessly, offering a ray of hope for her side. She dismissed Alyssa Healy for 34, as her probing line and length forced Healy into a review, which eventually ended in her dismissal.
She then claimed the wicket of Ashleigh Gardner for 44, a short ball catching Gardner off-guard for a top-edge that was taken by Lauren Filer at square leg. Ecclestone also troubled Sutherland, forcing her into a slice on 29 that was dropped by Danni Wyatt-Hodge at backward point. Sutherland then had another lucky escape on 31 when she edged Ecclestone, but the ball deflected past Amy Jones’s gloves and hit her knee, keeping her unbeaten.
Ashleigh Gardner (Australia) – 44(81)
Ashleigh Gardner’s batting performance was crucial in maintaining Australia’s dominance as she scored 44, including six fours, before being dismissed by Sophie Ecclestone. She was given a reprieve on 36 when a leading edge looped off the outstretched fingers of Lauren Filer in her follow-through, but Filer finally took the catch off Sophie’s delivery when Gardner’s innings came to an end.
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