Melbourne: Annabel Sutherland etched her name into history on day two of the Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), becoming the first woman to score a Test century at the iconic venue. The young all-rounder played a masterful knock of 163 off 258 balls, guiding Australia to a commanding 422-5 at stumps, with a lead of 252 runs.
Sutherland, who started the day on 24 not out, dominated the English bowling attack, dispatching 14 boundaries in an innings filled with elegant stroke play and resilience. She reached the historic three-figure mark with a precise cut shot, a moment she described as a dream come true.
Speaking to Fox Cricket after her record-breaking innings, Sutherland expressed her delight at achieving this feat at her home ground.
“It’s a pretty special place, especially as a Victorian. I’m stoked I could spend a bit of time out there, and we’re in a really good position, which is nice. Growing up, there was no better place to be than the ‘G, watching the cricket, watching the footy – a few Grand Finals as a Cats fan, which is cool. To be out there in the middle, it’s such a cool occasion for the whole group.”
Sutherland’s knock was part of a 154-run partnership with Beth Mooney, who remained unbeaten on 98 at the close of play. Mooney’s innings saw her surpass Karen Rolton as Australia’s fourth-highest female international run-scorer.
While Australia’s batters put on a dominant display, England’s fielding woes played a significant role in their struggles. The visitors dropped nine catches, with wicketkeeper Amy Jones also missing a crucial stumping opportunity. Sutherland herself was dropped twice and survived the missed stumping, while Mooney was given three lifelines before reaching 19.
Brief scores: England W 170 all out in 71.4 overs trail Australia W (Annabel Sutherland 163, Beth Mooney 98; Lauren Bell 2-94, Sophie Ecclestone 2-134) by 252 runs. IANS
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