Sutherland's record-breaking century puts Australia in command of Perth Test
Annabel Sutherland scored a commanding 129 off 171 balls on the second day of the pink-ball Test at the WACA Ground to leave India on the ropes in Perth. It was Sutherland's fourth Test century and, more remarkably, her third in successive Test innings, a feat no woman has achieved before.
Sutherland and Perry take control
Australia resumed Day 2 at 3-96, still trailing India's first-innings total of 198. Sutherland and Ellyse Perry combined for a 128-run stand for the fourth wicket that swung the match firmly in Australia's favour. Perry made 76, and in doing so passed Karen Rolton's record to become Australia's highest run-scorer in women's Test cricket.
Sutherland added a further 54 for the fifth wicket with Beth Mooney before Australia were eventually bowled out for 323, establishing a first-innings lead of 125.
Hamilton strikes again in India's second innings
Debutant Lucy Hamilton, who had impressed on Day 1, continued to trouble India's batters with three wickets in the second innings. India closed Day 2 at 105 for 6, still trailing by 20 runs with only four wickets in hand.
Pratika Rawal was the only Indian batter to offer sustained resistance, finishing the day unbeaten on 43. Australia will return on Day 3 knowing they need just four wickets to wrap up a comprehensive victory.
