Women's Ashes 2024-25, Only Test, Day 2 Review: Sutherland, Mooney help Aussies extend lead

On Day 2 of the historic only Test of the Women's Ashes 2024-25, between Australia Women and England Women at Melbourne Cricket Ground, the hosts extended their lead to over 250 runs, thanks to significant contributions from their batters.

The day started with Phoebe Litchfield and Annabel Sutherland continuing their innings from their overnight score of 20 and 24 runs, respectively. The Aussies lost their first wicket in terms of Litchfield, who walked back after scoring 45 runs, lacing her innings with five boundaries. Skipper Alyssa Healy who walked in next, stitched a 71-run stand with her partner, before being adjudged lbw off Sophie Ecclestone's bowling. Healy played a handy cameo of 34 runs.

After the Tea break, it was a Sutherland-Beth Mooney show, as the duo hammered the English bowlers all around the park. The highlight of the day was the 23-year-old, Sutherland, smashed her third Test ton. The all-rounder brought up her century in 193 balls but didn't stop there as she continued to torment the visitors. On the other hand, Mooney partnered well as she also brought her fifty in 64 deliveries.

The No.3 batter, who was well on course to smash a double ton, was dismissed by Ryana MacDonald-Gay. The batter walked back after scoring 163 runs off 258 deliveries, lacing her innings with 21 boundaries and one six. After this wicket, Ashleigh Gardner didn't let the English put more pressure as she too didn't hold back and hit an 88-ball 41.

The day ended with Mooney being unbeaten at 98, while Tahlia McGrath batting on nine as the score stood at 422/5, and the hosts had a lead of 252 runs. For the visitors, Ecclestone and Lauren Bell picked two wickets each. Mooney will be looking to reach the three-figure mark in the opening hour on Saturday, while the English side will look to put a brake on Aussies' scoring rate.