Published: Nov 11, 2017, 08:53 PM (IST)
Edited: Nov 11, 2017, 08:53 PM (IST)
Australia women were 177 for 5 at stumps on Day Two. Trailing England women by 103 runs, they were least expected to come close to the 250-run mark. Nonetheless, the script changed emphatically courtesy Ellyse Perry’s double-century at North Sydney Oval, Sydney. Her match-winning knock has changed the complexion of the game, as England trail by 128 runs on Saturday. Ellyse became the fourth Australian women and seventh overall to score double-ton in a Test. She also registered the highest score by an Australian women cricketer in Tests, on their own.
Ellyse Perry 213*:
– 7th batter & 4th AUS batter to score 200+ in a Women’s Test match
– 3rd highest score in WTests (all countries)
– Highest score for AUS in WTests
– Highest score in AUS in WTests (all countries)#WomensAshes #BeatEngland #Ashes— Fox Sports Lab (@FoxSportsLab) November 11, 2017
Ellyse resumed day’s play with a tall task to bat with the tail. She was well supported by Alyssa Healy, Tahlia McGrath and Jess Jonassen. While the trio stitched important stands with her, Ellyse looked at her very best. She was undeterred by the loss of wickets and carried on comfortably. She lashed on to the poor deliveries and kept the scoreboard ticking without taking much pressure. Australia women declared for 448 for 9, leading by 168 runs. Their last 5 wickets added 280 runs.
In reply, England women went to stumps without losing a wicket. At 40 for no loss, they have a big challenge ahead to bat well and add enough runs on Sunday. Tammy Beaumont, Sarah Taylor and Heather Knight will have to take maximum responsibility and make up for their bowlers and Ellyse’s special innings.
Brief scores
England women 280 & 40 for 0 (Lauren Winfield 12*, Tammy Beaumont 25*; Jess Jonassen 0 for 4) trail Australia women 448 for 9 decl. (Eyllse Perry 213*, Rachael Haynes 33, Alyssa Healy 45, Tahlia McGrath 47; Sophie Ecclestone 3 for 107, Laura Marsh 3 for 109) by 128 runs.
