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Annabel Sutherland’s Record-Breaking Century Puts Australia in Command in Day-Night Ashes Test
Australia Dominate England as Sutherland Smashes Historic Ton
Australia tightened their grip on the day-night Ashes Test at the MCG, courtesy of Annabel Sutherland’s brilliant 163. Alongside Beth Mooney’s unbeaten 98, Australia ended Day 2 at 422/5, establishing a commanding 252-run lead over England, who struggled in the field, dropping eight catches.
Sutherland’s knock was not just a match-defining performance but a historic milestone. She became the first woman to score a Test century at the MCG and joined an exclusive list of Australian women with three Test hundreds. Promoted to No.3 due to fitness concerns over Ellyse Perry, Sutherland grabbed the opportunity with both hands, capitalizing on England’s missed chances early in her innings.
Sutherland’s Record-Breaking Innings
Early Struggles and Dropped Chances
Sutherland’s innings could have ended early, but England’s sloppy fielding proved costly. The all-rounder was dropped twice, on 29 and 31, off the bowling of Sophie Ecclestone. These reprieves allowed her to settle in, and she gradually gained confidence, reaching her fifty before lunch.
Shifting Gears: From Fifty to 150 in No Time
Once in rhythm, Sutherland took charge in the second session, reaching her century off 193 balls. She then accelerated, bringing up her 150 in just 56 more deliveries. Her incredible knock finally ended at 163, when Ryana MacDonald-Gay bowled her after a 258-ball stay at the crease, laced with 21 boundaries and a six.
Mooney’s Steady Support Keeps England Under Pressure
While Sutherland stole the spotlight, Beth Mooney played a crucial role in keeping England’s bowlers on the back foot. She shared a 154-run partnership with Sutherland, providing much-needed stability.
Mooney had a shaky start, surviving three dropped catches, but she regrouped well to reach fifty off just 64 balls. She ended the day on 98, just two runs away from her maiden Test century*. She will resume on Day 3, hoping to reach the three-figure mark.
Australia’s Early Innings: Healy and Litchfield Set the Foundation
Aggressive Start from Healy and Litchfield
Australia started Day 2 at 56/1, looking to erase England’s first-innings total of 170. Captain Alyssa Healy was aggressive early on, aiming to chip away at the deficit quickly.
Youngster Phoebe Litchfield impressed with a solid start, but her innings ended at 45 when she edged a delivery from Lauren Bell. Healy contributed 35 before Ecclestone trapped her lbw, bringing Sutherland and Mooney together for the defining partnership.
Brief Scores & Match Situation
England 170 trail Australia 422/5 (Annabel Sutherland 163, Beth Mooney 98; Lauren Bell 2-94, Sophie Ecclestone 2-134) by 252 runs.*
With a massive lead of 252 runs, Australia are in complete control of the match. Day 3 will be crucial as England will need early breakthroughs to stay in the contest.
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