Annabel Sutherland achieved historic accolades during the second day of the Australia-England Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), scoring 163 runs and becoming the first woman to score a Test century at this iconic venue. Her performance not only placed Australia within reach of achieving the elusive multi-format Ashes whitewash but also underscored England's struggles throughout the tour.
On January 30, 2025, Sutherland's masterclass with the bat came amid chaos for the English side, who faltered severely with their fielding, dropping eight catches and missing key stumping chances. At the end of the day's play, Australia stood at 5-422, establishing a commanding 252-run first innings lead over England, whose first innings total was just 170.
Starting the day at 1-56, Australia navigated the pitch with confidence as their batting line-up toyed with England's bowlers. Sutherland, who had previously scored two Test centuries, showcased maturity beyond her 23 years. Her family, including her father, former Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland, were present to witness her historic moment.
By reaching her century just after drinks during the second session, Sutherland equaled the likes of Betty Wilson and Jill Kennare for the most Test centuries scored by Australian women. The match saw Sutherland not only prove her prowess but also break the record previously held by England's Betty Snowball, whose highest score at the venue was 83 not out, set back in 1935.
With her maiden century at the MCG, she joined the select ranks of players who have made consecutive scores exceeding 150, making her the first woman to accomplish this feat after scoring 210 against South Africa last year at WACA.
Beth Mooney also starred as she ended the day unbeaten on 98, thrilled yet anxious to complete her own century. The two shared notable partnerships, including a significant 154-run stand. Mooney's near-miss highlights just how well Australia capitalized on England's fielding woes, as she too was dropped multiple times throughout her innings.
While Sutherland’s success was clear, the English players, most primarily captain Heather Knight and coach Jon Lewis, faced mounting pressure as their team reeled from not only their defeat across the ODI series but also their performance within the T20 leg. Where England had once shown flashes of competitiveness, their dismal performance on this Test day put their capabilities back under scrutiny.
England’s bowling attack, though serviceable, failed to convert potential opportunities. Quick Lauren Bell and star spinner Sophie Ecclestone each worked hard throughout the day, but none were able to stem the flow of runs as Australia’s batters repeatedly capitalized on the dropped chances. Sutherland herself was replete with luck, having been dropped twice, and her confidence ballooned as England's slip-ups continued.
Captain Alyssa Healy, who scored 34, felt frustration after being controversially adjudged lbw. Despite reviewing the decision, umpires confirmed the call, leaving Healy discontent. This added to the chaotic atmosphere as Australia confidently continued to pile on runs.
Despite their evident struggles, highlights of England's bowling performances came from Ecclestone, who bowled hard but found her bowling met with misfielding and missed chances. For Sutherland, the day's success solidifies her as one of the premier women’s players on the global stage.
Looking forward, the series looms large as England faces the prospect of being swept 16-0 on points this Ashes series, the first time this has happened since the multi-format series began back in 2013. With Sutherland's confidence bolstered and Australia’s batting depth confirming its strength, the final result seems heavily stacked against England.
Both Sutherland and Mooney benefited from the fruit of England's fielding errors as they ensured Australia remained firmly seated on the path to victory. Sutherland's performance and the comfortable lead propels Australia closer to achieving the historic whitewash.