• Annabel Sutherland’s and Beth Mooney’s incredible knock guided Australia to a commanding 252-run lead on Day 2 of the Women’s Ashes Test.

  • Sutherland became the first Women cricketer to score century in Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Twitter reactions: Annabel Sutherland and Beth Mooney’s exceptional knock propel Australia to a commanding lead against England on Day 2 of the Pink-Ball Test | Women’s Ashes 2025
Annabel Sutherland and Beth Mooney (Image Source: X)

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The second day of the only Test in the Women’s Ashes 2025 saw Australia take firm control of the match against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. At stumps, Australia stood at a commanding 422 for 5, holding a substantial lead of 252 runs. This remarkable position was powered by a scintillating century from Annabel Sutherland and a resilient knock from Beth Mooney, leaving England with a daunting challenge heading into Day 3.

Annabel Sutherland creates history with a record-breaking century

Sutherland stole the show with a magnificent innings of 163 runs, laced with 13 fours and a six. With this remarkable century, she etched her name into the history books, becoming the first woman to score a Test century at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Sutherland’s innings was a display of class, patience, and power, dismantling England’s bowling attack with ease. Her knock provided the backbone for Australia’s formidable first-innings total and ensured a stronghold over their arch-rivals.

Beth Mooney’s unbeaten knock and solid contributions by Australian batters

Wicketkeeper-batter Mooney played a crucial supporting role, remaining unbeaten on 98 at the close of play. Her innings was built on sheer determination, as she anchored the innings alongside Sutherland. Striking seven boundaries, Mooney showcased her exceptional technique and temperament, standing firm as Australia’s run tally soared past the 400-run mark.

Apart from the heroics of Sutherland and Mooney, Australia’s batting lineup saw vital contributions from opener Phoebe Litchfield and middle-order batter Ashleigh Gardner. Litchfield set the tone early in the innings with a fluent 45, which included five boundaries, before falling short of a half-century. Gardner, on the other hand, played an aggressive knock of 44, smashing six fours, ensuring that the momentum remained with Australia throughout the day. With Mooney still at the crease alongside Tahlia McGrath (9*), Australia will look to extend their lead even further on Day 3.

England’s bowling efforts fall short

England’s bowlers struggled to contain the dominant Australian batting lineup. Lauren Bell provided some resistance with her right-arm medium-fast bowling, picking up two crucial wickets in her spell. Left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone also claimed two wickets, while Ryana McDonald-Gay chipped in with one. However, their combined efforts were not enough to curb Australia’s charge, as the hosts dictated terms with the bat. Australia is in a prime position to dictate the course of the match on Day 3. England will have to deliver an exceptional performance with the ball in the morning session if they are to have any chance of mounting a comeback.

Also READ: AUS vs ENG: Fans erupt as Annabel Sutherland hits a remarkable century on Day 2 of Pink-Ball Test | Women’s Ashes 2025

Here is how Twitter reacted:

Also READ: AUS-W vs ENG-W: Australia legend Ellyse Perry faces injury setback on Day 1 of the Pink Ball Test | Women’s Ashes 2025

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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About the Author:
SIDDHARTHA SAWLANI
Siddhartha is a Content Strategist at Cricket Times, holding a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. His passion for cricket was ignited by India’s triumph in the 2011 World Cup. Alongside his dedication to cricket, Siddhartha is an accomplished state-level table tennis player. With a longstanding ambition to become a sports journalist, he brings both academic expertise and a deep enthusiasm for the sport to his role. His admiration for AB de Villiers underscores his commitment to excellence in cricket journalism. You can write to him at siddhartha@crickettimes.com and follow him on Linkedin.