Perry and McGrath star as Aussies pile on Day 1 runs
AUSTRALIA has made a productive start to the sole test match of the 2023 Women’s Ashes Series.
The Aussies finished day one on 7/328, highlights from an Australian perspective included Tahlia McGrath’s 61 and Ellyse Perry almost got herself a test century but heartbreakingly fell one short.
Australia got off to a strong start to the day as Beth Mooney and test debutant Phoebe Litchfield made the most of swinging English bowling to pack the runs on early.
Despite being the more experienced head in the pair, Mooney was able to take a back seat early as Litchfield found more of the runs. Litchfield was also the first to go, trapped in front by Kate Cross.
A couple of bowling changes later fellow debutant Lauren Filer also almost had the debut ball to remember, trapping Perry in front and initially being given out, but after a review it was deemed to be not out. Filer would eventually get her debut test wicket, working with Cross to eventually bring Mooney’s demise.
This brought McGrath to the crease, who combined strongly with Perry to put on a 119 run partnership to really spearhead the Aussie cause forward.
Although their success was followed by a few failings with the bats, some cameos late from the likes of Ash Gardner (40) has helped solidify Australia’s position come the end of the day’s play.
The Aussies will resume on day two with Annabel Sutherland (39 not out) and Alana King (seven not out) at the crease.
Filer ultimately finished the day with two wickets, but was not the pick of the bowlers. That honour went to Sophie Ecclestone, who picked up three wickets and six maidens in her 31 overs bowled for the day.
DAILY SCORECARD
Australia (7/328)
Perry 99
McGath 61
England (Yet to Bat)
Ecclestone 3/71 (six maidens)
Filer 2/65 (one maiden)
SQAUDS
England
Tamsin Beaumont, Emma Lamb, Heather Knight (c), Natalie Sciver-Brunt, Sophia Dunkley, Danielle Wyatt, Amy Jones (wk), Sophie Ecclestone, Kathryn Cross, Lauren Filer, Lauren Bell
Australia
Beth Mooney, Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Tahlia McGrath, Jessica Jonassen, Alyssa Healy (c) (wk), Ashleigh Gardner, Annabel Sutherland, Alana King, Kim Garth, Darcie Brown
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