By Priya Nagi: Tammy Beaumont’s sensational century stole the highlight on day two of the one-off Ashes Test match between England and Australia at Trent Bridge on Friday. Beaumont’s unbeaten 100 guided England to a powerful place as they completed the day at 218-2 in response to Australia’s mammoth first-innings complete of 473.
Beaumont’s century was not solely vital for the match but additionally marked a outstanding achievement for her personally. With this hundred, she joined an elite group of England gamers, together with Heather Knight, Jos Buttler, and Dawid Malan, who’ve scored centuries in all three codecs of the sport.
Australia had set a formidable goal with their highest-ever first-innings complete in ladies’s Test match historical past. However, England’s aggressive strategy from the beginning and their refusal to again down allowed them to remain within the contest. Even after dropping Emma Lamb for simply 10 runs within the tenth over, England continued their assault.
Heather Knight contributed a helpful 57 runs in a partnership of 115 with Beaumont. Australia’s bowlers, regardless of having two extra spinners than England, struggled to include the English batters. Beaumont, who was given a reprieve on 61 after Australia determined towards reviewing a catch, showcased her resilience and dedication.
England will resume their innings on day three with Beaumont nonetheless on the crease and joined by all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt, who performed an entertaining innings of 41 not out from 44 balls.
Earlier within the day, Annabel Sutherland made historical past by turning into the youngest lady to attain an Ashes Test century. The 21-year-old completed unbeaten on 137, taking part in a vital position in Australia’s commanding complete. Sutherland’s century was the quickest by an Australian in ladies’s Test historical past and the primary by a participant batting at No.8.
Sutherland’s knock additional solidified her standing as one in all Australia’s brightest abilities. She has confirmed her talents with each bat and ball, beforehand swinging a Test match towards England along with her bowling prowess. This century showcased her batting abilities and hinted at her potential to bat increased up the order sooner or later.
Sophie Ecclestone, England’s star spinner, claimed 5 wickets for 129 runs however struggled to bother Sutherland, who remained composed and in management all through her innings.
Sutherland’s solely second of concern got here when she narrowly escaped a catch after reaching her century. With the match finely poised, each groups can be desirous to make an impression on day three because the battle for Ashes supremacy intensifies.