At the end of Day 2 of the one-off women’s Test match against Australia at Trent Bridge on Friday, Tammy Beaumont put up a stunning triumphant century to lead England to a score of 218-2. As Australia was bowled out for 473 earlier, Annabel Sutherland got 137 runs without being caught.
But Beaumont, who became just the fourth England player in either the men’s or women’s game to achieve an international century in Test, one-day and T20 cricket, dashed the visitors’ chances of building a sizable first innings lead.
Tammy Beaumont takes back control
Emma Lamb lost her wicket early on for only 10 runs, however Beaumont and captain Heather Knight worked together to maintain control of the innings.
The pair put forth a brilliant partnership of 115 runs, laying the groundwork for England. Ashleigh Gardner, though, was able to end the partnership by getting rid of Knight for a remarkable 57 runs. Beaumont persevered in dominating the Australian bowlers after the setback, finally reaching a well-earned century. She scored 100 runs unbeaten from 154 balls, including an impressive 16 boundaries.
An experienced Nat Sciver-Brunt, who stayed in the game at 41 not out, provided significant assistance to Beaumont. Together, they put up an unbroken third-wicket partnership of 67 runs, ensuring England ended the day strongly.
Tammy Beaumont celebrates her century during Women’s Ashes. (Credits: Getty Images)
Sophie Ecclestone, an England spinner, recorded her first five-wicket haul in a test match with 5-129 in 46.2 overs.
Sutherland made an appearance on a day when Trent Bridge lived up to its reputation as a haven for batters, revealing herself as the visitor’s secret weapon in this series. The 21-year-old led her team’s assault as Australia mounted a massive 473 before lunch, becoming the first Australian woman to get a Test hundred in the fastest time ever. She scored 100 runs off 134 balls before finishing unbeaten at 137 off 184. It was an innings that at first glance seemed like it may destroy England, who in the morning session appeared slow and without direction.
