Beaumont leads England’s strong reply after Sutherland’s record ton

Tammy Beaumont’s exceptional 100* led England’s strong reply in the Women’s Ashes Test against Australia at Trent Bridge. Beaumont’s remarkable innings – her maiden Test hundred – coupled with Annabel Sutherland’s 137*- also her maiden Test hundred and the fastest for Australia – set the stage for an enthralling battle on a placid Nottingham pitch.

Sophie Ecclestone went on to complete her maiden Test five-wicket haul but Australia, starting the day on 328/7, continued to build partnerships. Sutherland, in particular, showcased her class and composure, and orchestrated a magnificent 95-run partnership with Kim Garth, the debutant who played a vital role for Australia and helped her side rack up a record 473, the highest first-innings score in a Women’s Test.

England faced a challenging task in their pursuit of Australia’s imposing total but witnessed Tammy Beaumont rise to the occasion at the top of the order. Captain Heather Knight also contributed significantly, forming a crucial partnership of 115 runs with Beaumont. Once Knight was accounted for by a slower ball from Gardner, Nat Sciver and Katherine Brunt provided valuable support to Beaumont, scoring briskly to keep the scoreboard ticking. Beaumont remained unbeaten at the end of the day, ensuring England finished strongly and remained in contention.

Brief Scores:

Australia 473 (Beth Mooney 33, Phoebe Litchfield 23, Annabel Sutherland 137*, Ellyse Perry 99, Tahlia McGrath 61, Ashleigh Gardner 40, Alana King 21, Kim Garth 22 ; Sophie Ecclestone 5-129, Lauren Bell 2-91, Lauren Filer 2-99) lead England 218/2 (Tammy Beaumont 100*, Heather Knight 57, Nat Sciver-Brunt 41*; Annabel Sutherland 1-28, Ashleigh Gardner 1-47) by 255 runs

(Cricbuzz)