In the one-off Women’s Ashes Test at Trent Bridge, Australia gained the upper hand with a 92-run lead over England, despite Tammy Beaumont’s outstanding innings of 208.
England’s first innings concluded at 463 runs, just 10 runs short of Australia’s 473. However, Australia’s openers, Beth Mooney and Phoebe Litchfield, guided their team to 82-0 by the end of the day’s play.
Beaumont’s remarkable knock, which marked the first double-century in England women’s cricket, positioned England well in the match. Nevertheless, Australia’s openers faced loose bowling at the start of their innings, relieving the pressure on the visitors.
Beaumont’s innings surpassed a long-standing record set by Betty Snowball 88 years ago, who scored 189 against New Zealand in 1935, thus becoming England women’s highest individual scorer.
At the beginning of day three, England trailed Australia by 255 runs, with Australia’s first innings totaling 473. Beaumont and Nat Sciver-Brunt formed a strong third-wicket partnership, contributing 137 runs. Sciver-Brunt successfully challenged an lbw decision on the first ball of the day and went on to score 78. Danni Wyatt, making her Test debut, played aggressively, adding 44 runs from 49 balls, bringing England closer to parity.
However, as Beaumont ran out of partners, England lost their last four wickets for just 15 runs. Spinner Ash Gardner claimed 4-99, and Tahlia McGrath took 3-24 for Australia.
England’s performance took a downturn when they began their bowling spell with the new ball, conceding runs at a rate of 5.15 per over. Litchfield and Mooney remained unbeaten at the end of the day, with scores of 41 and 33, respectively.
Beaumont’s exceptional display of batting prowess challenged the usually composed Australian team. Her strokes pierced through the slip cordon, and she capitalized on loose deliveries, punishing them through the covers. Not only did her innings exhibit brutal strokeplay, but it also demonstrated remarkable concentration and endurance. She reached her double-century from 317 balls, becoming the second-fastest to achieve this feat after Australian legend Karen Rolton’s 306-ball effort in 2001.
Although Australia currently holds the advantage, Beaumont’s historic performance will be etched in cricket history and remain in the memories of those fortunate enough to witness it.
While England fought valiantly, Australia’s superiority ultimately prevailed. England’s seamers struggled against Australia’s openers in the second innings, as Mooney and Litchfield took full advantage of the flat pitch. With a narrow margin of just 10 runs after the first innings, England had a chance to seize control by taking early wickets or restraining the run-rate. However, the bowlers provided scoring opportunities to Australia’s openers with wide deliveries, allowing the game to slip away from England’s grasp.
To regain control, England relied on their trump card, Sophie Ecclestone, who had already bowled 46 overs in Australia’s first innings. Australia’s bowlers initially struggled but capitalized on England’s tail, taking quick wickets. Australia’s lower order also contributed significantly, adding an impressive 158 runs from their last four wickets.
Australia’s batting prowess was exemplified by all-rounder Annabel Sutherland, who scored an impeccable century from the number eight position on day two. As a result, England’s task, initially appearing relatively straightforward, now presents a considerable challenge.
In terms of the current situation, England opener Tammy Beaumont expressed confidence and emphasized the importance of the upcoming morning session. Australia all-rounder Ash Gardner acknowledged their upper hand but acknowledged that there is still much time left in the game.
Meanwhile, former England spinner Alex Hartley expressed frustration for England’s loss of momentum and urged them to make a strong comeback on the next day.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Women’s Ashes Test
Q: What was Tammy Beaumont’s score in the Ashes Test?
A: Tammy Beaumont scored a record-breaking 208 runs in the Ashes Test.
Q: How did England fare in their first innings?
A: England scored 463 runs in their first innings, falling 10 runs short of Australia’s total of 473.
Q: Who were the top performers with the ball for Australia?
A: Ash Gardner took 4 wickets for 99 runs, while Tahlia McGrath claimed 3 wickets for 24 runs.
Q: How did Australia respond in their second innings?
A: Australia’s openers, Beth Mooney and Phoebe Litchfield, remained unbeaten on 41 and 33 respectively, leading their team to 82-0 by the end of day three.
Q: What record did Tammy Beaumont break with her innings?
A: Tammy Beaumont’s score of 208 surpassed the 88-year-old record set by Betty Snowball, making it the highest individual score for an England women’s cricketer.
Q: What challenges does England face going forward?
A: Despite Beaumont’s remarkable innings, Australia holds a lead of 92 runs, and England will need to overcome Australia’s strong batting and regain control of the match to secure a victory.
More about Women’s Ashes Test
- BBC Sport: The Ashes 2023: England’s Tammy Beaumont hits record 208
- ESPNCricinfo: Women’s Ashes Test, Trent Bridge
- The Guardian: Tammy Beaumont smashes England record with brilliant 208
- Cricbuzz: Beaumont, Gardner headline day three
- Sky Sports: England Women’s Tammy Beaumont hits record 208 against Australia
1 comment
tammy beaumont’s 208 is LEGENDARY! she broke a like ancient record, wow! england needs 2 step up their game if they wanna win dis test. #GoEngland