 "Annabel Sutherland celebrates reaching her century. Image: Reuters")
Annabel Sutherland has etched her name into the record books, becoming the first woman cricketer to score a Test century at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The 23-year-old Australian all-rounder achieved this historic feat during the ongoing Women’s Ashes Test against England, further solidifying her reputation as one of the upcoming stars in women’s cricket.
A historic knock at the MCG
Sutherland walked in to bat late on Day 1 after Georgia Voll’s dismissal in the seventh over of Australia’s innings. She displayed immense patience and resilience, reaching her century on Day 2 from her 193rd ball, cutting a delivery from Sophie Ecclestone to the deep point boundary for four.
This is Sutherland’s third Test century and her second against England, adding to her growing legacy in the longest format of the game. She previously scored a sensational 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 century, Sutherland has equaled Australian greats Betty Wilson and Jill Kennare for the most Test centuries by an Australian woman. Her knock is even more special given that the ongoing Ashes Test is the first women’s Test at the MCG since 1949 and also marks the first-ever pink-ball women’s Test at the venue.
A century with two lives
Sutherland’s path to the milestone wasn’t without its challenges. She was dropped twice by England on Day 2, first on 29 by Danni Wyatt off Ecclestone’s bowling, and again on 31 when wicketkeeper Amy Jones missed a tough chance behind the stumps. However, she capitalised on her reprieves to script history at the MCG. Sutherland was eventually dismissed for 163 runs by Ryana MacDonald-Gay in the 91st over on Day 2.
With three centuries in just a handful of Test appearances, Sutherland has already established herself as one of the most promising talents in women’s cricket. Her historic feat at the MCG will be remembered for a long time.