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Allrounder Annabel Sutherland struck the fourth highest score in women’s Test cricket as Australia continued to pound South Africa in a record-breaking match at the WACA Ground.
Australia declared soon after tea on day two at 9-575 – an overall lead of 499 – with Sutherland (210 off 256 balls) the star of the show in front of 1318 fans.
It was the highest team total in women’s Tests, bettering Australia’s 6(dec)-569 against England in 1998.
In reply to Australia’s mammoth total, South Africa finished day two at 3-67, still requiring a further 432 runs to make the home side bat again.
Kim Garth snared two quick wickets as South Africa crashed to 3-13 in their second innings, before Delmi Tucker (27no) and Tazmin Brits (18no) steadied the ship.
Sutherland’s marathon knock came to an end after tea when she spooned spinner Chloe Tryon to slip.
The 22-year-old received a standing ovation as she walked off the ground, and Australia declared soon afterwards with Kim Garth unbeaten on 49.
Pakistan’s Kiran Baluch still holds the record for the highest women’s Test score – 242 against the West Indies in 2004.
The only others to have score more than Sutherland’s knock are India’s Mithali Raj (214) and Australian Ellyse Perry (213no).
“I’m very happy for her to keep that record, she deserves it,” Sutherland said.
“She’s an incredible player, and an even better person. The amount of time she’s spent with the young girls coming through is a testament to that.”
Sutherland resumed on Friday on 54 and was rarely troubled in reaching a second Test hundred after her unbeaten 137 against England in 2022.
Annabel Sutherland bats during day two in Perth. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
She also achieved the highest score in a women’s WACA Test, beating the 112 posted by England’s Janette Brittin in 1984.
Sutherland’s heroics with the bat came just a day after she took 3-19 as the Proteas were skittled for 76.
She struck 27 fours and two sixes during her dazzling knock.
“That was exceptional. I don’t think I’ve seen that good an innings live,” South Africa allrounder Nadine de Klerk said.
“Spin didn’t work, seam didn’t work. She was just smashing us all around the ground.”
Ashleigh Gardner (65) also cashed in before being trapped lbw by Nadine de Klerk midway through day two.
The returning Sophie Molineux (33) was bowled by spinner Tryon after shouldering arms.
Sutherland’s double-century joy was in complete contrast to Alyssa Healy’s heartbreak late on Thursday.
With just four minutes remaining in the day, Australia’s skipper was caught and bowled for 99, ending her hopes of becoming the first woman to post an international hundred in all three formats.
Australia only need to draw the Test to win the multi-format series against South Africa.
*242 – Kiran Baluch (Pak) v West Indies in Karachi 2004
*214 – Mithali Raj (Ind) v England in Taunton in 2002
*213no – Ellyse Perry (Aus) v England in North Sydney in 2017
*210 – Annabel Sutherland (Aus) v South Africa in Perth in 2024
© AAP
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