Annabel Sutherland 10
The Melbourne local is no longer the heir apparent to Ellyse Perry, she has arrived as the team’s new all-round star. Promoted to three after Perry’s injury, Sutherland set up Australia’s massive innings, helped by some awful fielding. When the 23-year-old hangs them up, hopefully no earlier than a decade’s time, she is likely to be Australia’s leading female Test run-scorer.
Victorians Alana King and Annabel Sutherland soak up the adoration of the MCG crowd after spearheading Australia’s Ashes Test victory over England.Credit: Getty
Alana King 10
Bowling from the Shane Warne Stand end, the Victorian did the legend proud with nine wickets in an exquisite display of leg-spin. Her combination of spin and drift, while seldom losing control, was too much for England’s struggling batters. You’d love to see more women’s Tests scheduled just so you can watch her bowl in the game’s traditional format.
Beth Mooney 9
Is there anything the versatile Queenslander cannot do? She opened the batting in the white-ball games, deputised for Alyssa Healy behind the stumps and carved a ton in the middle order after three lives in her first 25 balls. Also topped the series run chart.
Beth Mooney raises her century early on Saturday; day three of the Ashes Test.Credit: Getty Images
Ash Gardner 8
Five wickets combined with 44 in the middle order was a strong return for the all-rounder, who played a support role with both bat and ball. Players like her who can command a spot in the team for either discipline are invaluable.
Alyssa Healy 7
The skipper won her fitness battle to play an unassuming leadership role in what might be her last appearance in the baggy green. She was a touch unlucky not to have her lbw overturned. Decision to bowl first was vindicated, and her use of bowlers and field placements were hard to fault.
Kim Garth 7
The Dublin-born seamer set the scene with two top-order wickets on the first day when the pitch was best suited to her bowling. Was rarely sighted once the ball lost its shine due to the dominance of Australia’s spinner but did her job.
Darcie Brown 7
Like her new-ball partner, Brown was important on the first day in setting up the game. England’s top order had trouble handling her extra pace. The youngster has a bright future.
Phoebe Litchfield 6
A middling series for the budding star finished with a battling innings at the top of the order. She will rue not kicking on in daylight after negotiating the new pink ball under lights on Thursday night.
Georgia Voll 4
After a stunning start to her international career against India, Voll had little impact opening in a reshuffled batting line-up on her Test debut. She will be better for this experience when permanent spots open up in the top order.
Tahlia McGrath 3
The all-rounder did not bowl and was not needed with the bat until Australia were well in front, so her low score had little bearing on the game.
Ellyse Perry NA
The superstar all-rounder played little part in the victory due to a hip injury sustained in the field in the second session of the game. The impact of the injury was evident in her restricted movement running between the wickets while batting at 10.
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