Annabel Sutherland produced a spectacular performance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on January 31, 2025, as she made history by becoming the first woman to score a Test century at the iconic venue. Her outstanding 163 not only set her aside as the star of the day but also firmly placed Australia on the path to potentially clinching the Ashes series cleanly against an abject England side.
On Day Two of the women’s Ashes Test, Australia dominated England, finishing the day at 5-422, which gave them a hefty lead of 252 runs. Sutherland's stunning century came as she shared a 154-run partnership with Beth Mooney, who remained unbeaten on 98 by stumps, closing the gap on her own maiden Test century.
Sutherland's innings was marked by resilience and composure, especially considering she survived not one, but two dropped catches early on; she was let off the hook on 29 and 31 runs, with England players displaying utter haplessness in the field. Sutherland capitalized on these opportunities, especially after England's fielding errors led to another miserable day for them. Despite some decent bowling spells, the English fielders were left red-faced after dropping eight catches throughout the afternoon.
Rising through the cricketing ranks, Sutherland displayed why she is considered one of Australia’s most promising cricketers. Notably, she became the first woman to reach this milestone at the MCG, overcoming Betty Snowball's previous highest score of 83 at the venue set way back in 1935. Not only did she establish herself as the leading woman on this historical board, but she also added her name beside renowned cricketers like Betty Wilson and Jill Kennare, who were Australia’s previous century-makers.
Mooney, reflecting on her partner's innings, said, "She’s made a statement, hasn’t she. She’s been crying out for opportunity up the order and absolutely nailed it," capturing the essence of Sutherland's performance and the gratitude shared among teammates for her contributions.
The day became particularly one-sided as England’s weaknesses were laid bare for all to see. Sutherland’s solid performance followed after Australia bowled England out for 170 during the first innings, pushing their lead significantly with every run scored. England, particularly captain Heather Knight, faced rising tensions and pressures, with the space made by the batting performances amplifying the focus on their struggles.
Another unfortunate scene unfolded for England when Alyssa Healy was the sole wicket to fall during the second session, dismissed for 34 runs after being struck lbw by Sophie Ecclestone. The decision left Healy seething, having reviewed it, convinced she made contact with the ball, but the video review offered no additional clarity, leading her to the pavillion.
Crucially, perceptions of the match were soured by England's enormous misjudgments, and they could not capitalize on any breakthroughs provided by their bowling unit; for example, quick bowler Lauren Bell, who toiled admirably during her spell, finished with figures of 2-94, only to see her efforts undone by the fielders behind her.
To England's credit, there were some bright moments from Sophie Ecclestone, who maintained the pressure during her spell and demonstrated exceptional bowling, albeit it was tainted by her own errors when she dropped two very catchable chances solo, impacting the morale and confidence of the team greatly.
Upon bringing up her century just before the dinner break, Sutherland received roaring applause from the spectators, highlighting the significance of the moment both for her career and women’s cricket history. Her achievement is mirrored by her growing Test average of 83.71, joining historic company by being among only two Australians to score over 150 runs more than once.
This match, already holding records, saw 23,561 attendees across the first two days, marking the largest crowd ever for women’s Test cricket. With England’s continuing downfall, it is and feels increasingly likely they are on the cusp of experiencing the first complete whitewash of 16-0 points since the introduction of the multi-format Ashes series back in 2013.
Sutherland’s victorious anthem echoes across Melbourne and beckons much-needed belief for Australian women’s cricket, emphasizing the tremendous potential of their squad as they chart toward greater glory this Ashes series.
Both Sutherland and her teammates look poised to continue exploiting England’s weaknesses on Day Three, as they come closer to achieving history with each delivery bowled.