Tammy Beaumont showcased her brilliance with an outstanding century on the second day of the one-off Ashes Test match at Trent Bridge, leaving the game finely poised. England closed the day at 218-2 in response to Australia’s formidable total of 473.
Beaumont remained unbeaten on 100, marking her maiden Test century and joining the elite club of England players to score hundreds across all three formats. Alongside her, Heather Knight, Jos Buttler, and Dawid Malan have achieved this remarkable feat.
Australia’s innings was dominated by Annabel Sutherland, who batted remarkably well from the eighth position, amassing a brilliant 137 runs. However, Sophie Ecclestone’s superb bowling performance, where she claimed a Test career-best 5-129, restricted the visitors from posting an even higher total.
England faced frustration as Sutherland formed a resilient ninth-wicket partnership of 95 runs with Kim Garth. The English seamers struggled to create opportunities on a flat pitch during the morning session.
Despite Australia setting the highest first-innings total in women’s Test match history, England displayed an aggressive approach, refusing to back down even after the early dismissal of Emma Lamb. Knight played a crucial role, scoring a resilient 57 runs in a partnership of 115 with Beaumont.
Beaumont had a stroke of luck on 61 when Australia chose not to review a catch, as replays showed that she had hit the ball onto her boot before being caught at short leg. She will resume her innings with all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt, who provided entertaining support with a quickfire 41 off 44 deliveries.
England’s commitment to an aggressive mindset was evident as Beaumont reached her century from 152 balls, including 16 boundaries. The pitch favored the batsmen, making it challenging for Australia’s bowlers to find much seam or swing.
Australia, known for their dominance, found themselves on the back foot, offering numerous scoring opportunities to Beaumont and Knight due to their inconsistency. Despite this, Australia’s fielding remained sublime, showcasing one of the key elements of their recent success.
While Australia’s batting lineup boasts world-class talent, England retaliated with a similar fervor. Ash Gardner dismissed Knight, but Sciver-Brunt seamlessly stepped in, matching Beaumont’s fluent scoring.
England still has a substantial number of runs to surpass Australia’s total. However, their resolute approach in reaching the 200-run mark sends a clear message of intent to their opponents.
Annabel Sutherland, Australia’s talented all-rounder, came into her own during this match. Though she has been part of Australia’s squads across all three formats, she had yet to make a significant impact in the world-dominating team. Sutherland’s impressive century, achieved in 148 balls, displayed her technical brilliance and confirmed her potential as a future star.
Sophie Ecclestone’s relentless efforts were rewarded with a five-wicket haul, while England’s bowling tactics seemed unconventional. Due to a knee niggle, Sciver-Brunt was limited to only five overs, and the part-time spin options of Knight and Lamb went unused. It can be argued that the pace of Lauren Filer, which troubled Australia on the first day, was underutilized.
With two outstanding centuries already scored and three days of play remaining, the match is delicately poised, potentially setting the stage for a thrilling Ashes contest.
Quoting England opener Tammy Beaumont from BBC Test Match Special: “It was challenging, and I was really exhausted during that last session, but the bowlers did an exceptional job out there. The game is finely balanced. It’s a fantastic batting wicket, making it difficult to dismiss batsmen who get settled. I don’t think I batted at my best, but I showed determination, a quality Heather Knight has recognized in me for years.”
Australia all-rounder Annabel Sutherland on TMS: “It was a lot of fun out there. I believe we have the upper hand with a lead of 250 runs. Nat and Tammy gained some momentum for England, but the pitch has variable bounce, and our spinners have identified some opportunities. We look forward to the challenges that Saturday will bring.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ashes Test
What was Tammy Beaumont’s score in the Ashes Test match?
Tammy Beaumont remained unbeaten on 100 runs in the Ashes Test match.
How did Annabel Sutherland perform in the match?
Annabel Sutherland played brilliantly, scoring a remarkable century for Australia in the Ashes Test match.
Did any England players score a century in all three formats?
Yes, Tammy Beaumont joined Heather Knight, Jos Buttler, and Dawid Malan as England players who have scored centuries in all three formats of the game.
What was the highest first-innings total in women’s Test match history?
Australia’s total of 473 in the first innings of the Ashes Test match was the highest first-innings total in women’s Test match history.
How did Sophie Ecclestone perform with the ball?
Sophie Ecclestone had an outstanding bowling performance, claiming a Test career-best 5-129 for England in the Ashes Test match.
Was the match evenly poised?
Yes, the match was finely balanced with two classy centuries already scored and three days of play remaining, setting the stage for a potentially thrilling Ashes contest.
More about Ashes Test
- Tammy Beaumont leads England fightback with century – BBC Sport
- Tammy Beaumont hits maiden Test century against Australia – ESPNcricinfo
- Annabel Sutherland’s brilliant century – cricket.com.au
- Highest first-innings total in women’s Test match history – ESPNcricinfo
- Sophie Ecclestone’s bowling performance – The Guardian
- England vs Australia Women’s Ashes Test match – The Guardian
4 comments
tammy beaumont’s century was amazin! she showed real determnation & fought back against australia. aussies also had a brillnt knock by annabel suthrland. wow, such an excitin ashes test match!
Tammy Beaumont you rockstar!! Such a stylish century, luv watchin her bat. And Sutherland’s century was so cool too. This Ashes Test match is gonna be one for the books. Can’t wait for more action! #CricketPassion
Wow, what a match! Beaumont’s century was clutch for England. Sutherland’s knock was a pleasant surprise. Both teams showin their fight. Who’s gonna come out on top? Ashes drama at its finest! #CricketThrills
Eng vs Aus in the Ashes is always a nail-biter! Tammy Beaumont’s century was amazin, she really proved herself! Sutherland’s knock was solid too. Gotta love the intensity of Test cricket! #CricketFever