Sutherland slams historic ton as Australia amass big lead

Sutherland slams historic ton as Australia amass big lead

Australia tightened their grip over the day-night Ashes Test at the MCG, thanks to Annabel Sutherland's outstanding 163. Along with Beth Mooney's unbeaten 98, Australia reached 422/5 at the end of Day 2, giving them a strong lead of 252 runs over a sloppy England side who dropped as many as eight catches on the day.

Sutherland's innings was historic, making her the first woman to score a Test century at the MCG. She dominated the second session, hitting her century off 193 balls. Her brilliant knock ended at 163 when Ryana MacDonald-Gay bowled her, bringing an end to a 258-ball innings with 21 fours and a six.

Mooney provided steady support, keeping England's bowlers under pressure during her 154-run stand with Sutherland. Mooney had a shaky start, getting dropped three times, but she recovered well to score her fifty off 64 balls. She will resume on Day 3 just two runs away from her first Test hundred.

Brief Scores:

• Australia: 422/5 (Sutherland 163, Mooney 98*)
• England: 170 (trail by 252 runs)
• Bowlers: Bell 2-94, Ecclestone 2-134