Annabel Sutherland has plundered Australia’s fastest century in women’s Tests, shattering the record books on day two of the Ashes Test against England at Trent Bridge.
The 21-year-old, making her third Test appearance, smacked an unbeaten 137 in Nottingham on Friday, guiding the visitors towards an imposing first-innings total of 473 – it was Australia’s third-highest team total in women’s Tests.
Sutherland, who struck 16 boundaries and a thumping six over mid-wicket, reached her maiden international hundred in 148 deliveries, bettering the previous record of 156 balls set by Jill Kennare in 1984. It was also the highest score by a No. 8 batter in women’s Tests, toppling Chamani Seneviratna’s 105 not out against Pakistan in 1998.
MATCH CENTRE: Women’s Ashes Test, England vs Australia
“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.”
Asked if she’d like to bat up the order, she responded: “I hope so. 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 was 6-238 when Sutherland walked to the crease on Thursday evening, batting through to stumps before resuming the following morning on 39.
After the dismissal of Alana King, who was bowled by an absolute seed from England seamer Lauren Bell for 21, Sutherland combined with debutant Kim Garth for a 95-run partnership for the ninth wicket, setting another Australian record.
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Sutherland reached triple figures before lunch, becoming the youngest Australian woman to score a Test century since the legendary Belinda Clark in 1991 – she survived 184 deliveries before running out of partners.
England spinner Sophie Ecclestone claimed the final two scalps, finishing with career-best figures of 5-129 from 46.2 overs.
Sutherland’s heroics were far from over – the all-rounder claimed Australia’s first wicket of the afternoon session, removing England opener Emma Lamb caught at second slip for 10.
The Victorian, who made her Test debut against India in 2021, also scored a century during last week’s warm-up game against England A in Leicester.
Fastest recorded Test centuries for Australia women
148 balls – Annabel Sutherland vs ENG, 2023
156 balls – Jill Kennare vs ENG, 1984
160 balls – Belinda Clark vs ENG, 1998
162 balls – Belinda Clark vs IND, 1991
