Women’s Ashes Test: Annabel Sutherland hits record-breaking century against England on day two at Trent Bridge

Annabel Sutherland has shattered cricket records overnight with a brilliant maiden Test century in the women’s Ashes Test. But England hit back late on an enthralling day two.

Annabel Sutherland hit a record-breaking century on day two of the women’s Ashes Test to put Australia in a commanding spot at Trent Bridge, before a late Engand fightback.

Sutherland plundered 16 boundaries and a huge six on her way to the fastest Test century by an Australian in women’s Tests, finishing unbeaten on 137 as the visitors were bowled out for 473.

The 21-year-old’s knocked eclipsed Jill Kennare’s 156-ball century in 1984 and is also the highest ever score by a No. 8 batter.

Annabel Sutherland hit an unbeaten 137 on day two of the women’s Ashes Test. Picture: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

“It was pretty fun out there,” Sutherland told Sky Sports.

“I absolutely love my batting, so just really cool to spend some time out there.”

As for batting higher up the order?

“I hope so,” Sutherland responded after being quizzed on a potential promotion.

“I’ve been telling the coach that for a little while, but I’m just happy playing my part in this team.

“We’ve got a pretty strong top order and it’s pretty hard to slot in. Nice to take an opportunity when I get the chance down at eight.”

Australia, 328-7 overnight, frustrated Heather Knight’s team, with tailenders Alana King (21) and Kim Garth (22), adding valuable runs alongside all-rounder Sutherland.

Ellyse Perry scored 99 on Thursday as the Ashes holders made a strong start to the match at Trent Bridge, racking up the sixth-highest total in the history of women’s Test cricket.

But England hit back, with Tammy Beaumont equally as impressive with the bat, recording her maiden Test century as the hosts reached 218-2 at close of the second day’s play to leave the one-off Test delicately poised.

England’s Tammy Beaumont was just as good, finishing not out 100 at stumps. Picture: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Beaumont became just the fourth England player in either the men’s or women’s game to score an international century in Test, one day and T20 cricket.

“I think it’s finely balanced. I think it’s a very good batting wicket, if two people get in it’s very hard to get them out,” said Beaumont.

“I don’t think I batted my best, I was stubborn, which (captain) Heather Knight has called me for years.” Aussie all-rounder Sutherland continued her fine match with the ball as she took the wicket of Emma Lamb for 10.

But after Knight departed for 57, a partnership of 67 between Natalie Sciver-Brunt (41 not out) and Beaumont kept the hosts in the match.

The five-day match is part of a multi-format Ashes series including three Twenty20 matches and three one-day internationals.

Originally published as Women’s Ashes Test: Annabel Sutherland hits record-breaking century against England on day two at Trent Bridge