Annabel Sutherland scripts history at MCG in Women's Ashes Test
What's the story
23-year-old Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland has created cricketing history by becoming the first woman to score a Test century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
She achieved the incredible feat during the ongoing Women's Ashes Test against England.
It is Sutherland's third century in just six red-ball matches for Australia, further establishing her as an emerging star in women's cricket.
Australia ended Day 2 on 422/5.
Match highlights
Sutherland's century: A display of resilience and patience
Sutherland walked in late on Day 1, after Georgia Voll was dismissed in the seventh over of Australia's innings.
She showed remarkable patience and resilience, bringing up her century on Day 2 off her 193rd ball.
This included a four off Sophie Ecclestone's delivery to the deep point boundary.
Having been dropped twice by England earlier in the day, Sutherland made them pay to script history at MCG.
Story
Story of Australia's innings
England paid the price, dropping at least 8 catches so far in the Aussie innings.
Sutherland shared a solid 80-run stand for the 2nd wicket alongside Phoebe Litchfield (45).
Thereafter, a 71-run stand followed alongside skipper Alyssa Healy (34).
Another 154-run stand followed suit with Beth Mooney, who finished on an unbeaten 98. Ashleigh Gardner (44) also player her part.
For England, Lauren Bell managed 2/94. Ecclestone claimed 2/134.
Career achievements
Sutherland's previous Test centuries and records
Sutherland's previous Test tons include a stunning 210 against South Africa at the WACA last year, just three runs shy of Ellyse Perry's Australian record of 213 in women's Tests.
Her maiden Test ton came in the last Women's Ashes series at Trent Bridge, where she scored 137 against England.
With this latest ton, Sutherland has equaled Australian legends Betty Wilson and Jill Kennare for most Test centuries by an Australian woman.
Historic match
Sutherland's historic knock in the ongoing Ashes Test
Sutherland's latest century is all the more special as it comes during the first women's Test at MCG since 1949, and also the first-ever pink-ball women's Test at the venue.
Despite being dropped twice by England on Day 2, she fought her way to the milestone and eventually scored 163 runs before being dismissed by Ryana MacDonald-Gay in the 91st over.
Her knock was laced with 21 fours and a six.
Information
Sutherland makes history at the MCG
As mentioned, Sutherland is the first player to slam a ton in Women's Test at the MCG. As per ESPNcricinfo, she surpassed the previous record of Elizabeth Alexandra Snowball, who scored an unbeaten 83 in January 18, 1935. In this ongoing match, Beth Mooney (98*) too surpassed Snowball.
Do you know?
An average of 83.71 in Women's Tests
In 6 Women's Tests, Sutherland has raced to 586 runs at 83.71. She owns three centuries. In three matches versus ENG Women, she owns 330 runs at 110. This was her 2nd century against England.
Twitter Post
Twitter Post
HISTORY MADE.
ā Melbourne Cricket Ground (@MCG) January 31, 2025
Annabel Sutherland becomes the first woman to make an International Test century at the āG šÆ pic.twitter.com/CzFWDzubyO