Annabel Sutherland shatters records with sensational maiden test century in Women’s Ashes

Australian cricketer Annabel Sutherland has achieved a major milestone, hitting her first Test century during Day 2 of the women’s Ashes Test against England. Starting the day with 39 runs, she quickly racked up a total of 116 by lunchtime.

Despite being an all-rounder, Sutherland is a skilled batter who took the No. 8 spot and scored her maiden Test ton after facing 148 balls. She also set a record for the fastest century by an Australian woman in Test cricket, beating Jill Kennare’s 156-ball ton from 1984.

Scoring a Test century as a No. 8 is quite an accomplishment, with only eight Australian players achieving this feat, the most recent being fast bowler Mitchell Johnson in 2009. Sutherland’s exceptional performance has left cricket enthusiasts predicting her swift rise in the batting order.

The Age’s Dan Brettig and former Australian captain Mel Jones are among those who praised Sutherland’s achievement. They anticipate her ascent up the order due to her exemplary skills.

💯 for Annabel Sutherland here at TrentBridge. What a player! @ACA_Players @CricketAus @AusWomenCricket 🇦🇺🏏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/WEzxPzXZpI

— Todd Greenberg (@Todd_Greenberg) June 23, 2023

Sutherland expressed her enjoyment of batting to Sky Sports and admitted her desire to bat higher in the order. However, she recognizes the strength of Australia’s top order and cherishes the chance to contribute from her current position.

Sutherland’s century is particularly noteworthy as it is the first by an Australian in women’s Test cricket since Ellyse Perry’s in 2019. Australia resumed on Day 2 with a score of 7/327 and built up an intimidating first innings total of 8/439 by lunch.

The top cricket betting sites currently have Australia at $4.60 to claim game 1 of the 2023 Ashes series.

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