On the second day of the one-off Ashes Test at Trent Bridge, Tammy Beaumont and Nat Sciver-Brunt orchestrated a powerful counterattack against the Australian bowlers, bringing the game back to level pegging. England ended the day at an impressive 218/2, with Beaumont and Sciver-Brunt remaining unbeaten on 100 and 41, respectively.
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The hosts encountered an early setback when Emma Lamb was dismissed by Annabel Sutherland. However, England regrouped with Beaumont and captain Heather Knight at the crease, assuming control and dictating the flow of the game.
Australia desperately sought a breakthrough, and Ashleigh Gardner managed to find an outside edge off Knight, benefiting from some extra bounce. Alyssa Healy made no mistake in taking the catch, leading to Knight’s departure after a valuable contribution of 57 (91).
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Trouble continued to mount for Australia with the arrival of Sciver-Brunt. Although it took Sciver-Brunt a few balls to settle in, once she found her first boundary, her momentum became unstoppable.
Absolutely glorious shots from Tammy Beaumont to open with 🔥#EnglandCricket #Ashes pic.twitter.com/q4doiL7gao
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 23, 2023
In a remarkable feat, Beaumont achieved her maiden Test century in the second-to-last over of the day. Despite England’s commendable efforts, they still trail by 255 runs, setting the stage for a significant challenge on Day 3 due to the spin-friendly conditions and unpredictable bounce that the spinners will relish over the remaining three days.
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Earlier in the day, Annabel Sutherland completed her century, while Kim Garth joined the festivities by smashing a four with a sweep shot through square leg. Garth’s determination to rotate the strike intensified with each passing over. Both batters managed to retain their wickets until the final over before lunch, with Australia concluding the session at 439/8.
The partnership between Sutherland and Garth endured until the 121st over when Sophie Ecclestone delivered a crucial breakthrough, dismissing Garth. The ball struck her on the back leg, prompting Garth to review the on-field decision in hopes of survival. However, the screen displayed three reds, confirming Garth’s departure after scoring 22 (76).
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Two overs later, Ecclestone achieved her maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket as Darcie Brown punched the ball straight into the hands of the bowler, signifying the end of Australia’s innings with a score of 473.
It may be noted that the Women’s Ashes between England and Australia is a one-off Test.
