by Sam Coulson, former ACS Journalism Scholar
Annabel Sutherland stunned the cricketing world a few weeks ago when she created history becoming the youngest Australian women to score a double century whilst also producing the fastest ever double ton across women’s Tests reaching the milestone in 248 balls.
The Test was a part of a multiformat series that started with three T20’s and three ODI’s before the teams battled it out in a four-day Test match on a fast and bouncy WACA pitch. The multi format series is measured on a points system with short form matches worth two points and Tests worth four.
The series kicked off in Canberra where Australia set the tone with a commanding eight wicket victory in the opening T20 match, led by Beth Mooney’s stellar performance of 72* from 57 balls. However, South Africa’s resilience shone through in the subsequent match, culminating in a historic six wicket win with Captain Laura Wolvaardt making 58 from 53 balls chasing the moderate target of 142 set by the Australian’s.
It was the first time the Proteas had beaten the Australian team who held a 25-0 record across T20’s and ODI’s since their first game in 1997.
The series progressed to Hobart with tensions at an all-time high as both teams vied for supremacy. The ever-reliable Beth Mooney was the star of the show yet again providing a heroic innings of 82 from 55 balls steering Australia to the win despite battling food poisoning—a testament to her unwavering determination and commitment to the team’s success.
The first of the three ODI matches started in Adelaide with Australia knocking the touring team over for 105 runs, chasing the target down in just 19 overs.
In the second ODI South Africa put on their most impressive all-round performance of the series making 229/6 from 45 overs (DLS) with Marizanne Kapp making 75 runs before going on to take 3/12 from five overs as the Aussies were bowled out for 149.
It was a proud moment for South Africa picking up another win against Australia. Despite the loss, Captain Healy was not bothered touching on how Australia was a team in transition and believed such losses would only help their team.
In the final ODI, Australia’s dominance was on full display as they produced a resounding victory sealing the multi-format series with a commanding performance. They made 277 with the bat before dismissing the touring team for just 127.
Despite the winner of the multi-format series decided both teams headed west with South Africa playing their first Test since 2022 and only their second since 2014.
The once off Test was played on a fast and bouncy WACA pitch on a blistering 43degree day. Captain Alyssa Healy shocked many when she won the toss and elected to field first in the heat, a daring decision that would pay off in remarkable fashion.
South Africa were in early trouble when both opening batters fell at the hands of a brilliant display of fast bowling from young gun Darcie Brown.
With Brown and Sutherland steaming in danger signs were appearing for the touring team as they struggled to get any momentum going being dismissed for their lowest ever score of 76 with Brown collecting her maiden Test five-for and Sutherland picking up 3-14.
It was Sutherlands heroics in the batting innings though that would etch her name in cricket folklore scoring an impressive 210 from 256 balls.
Father of Annabel and recent ACS speaker James Sutherland was in awe of what his young daughter was doing out in the middle.
“I probably didn’t sleep that well afterwards, I had to pinch myself as to whether that really happened, James Sutherland told ABC.
Australia went on to score 575 runs including a 99 from captain Healy falling an agonising one run short of a Test match 100 getting out caught and bowled.
Despite improving on their first innings total South Africa were dismissed in the second innings for 215, propelling Australia to a triumphant win by an innings and 284 runs.
Despite a lop-sided contest, the spirit that the Test was played in was outstanding, mounting the case for more women’s Tests to be played in the future.
Overall, the series was a testament to the enduring spirit of competition and the relentless pursuit of greatness. As the cricketing world reflects on the moments that defined this captivating series, Annabel Sutherland’s historic achievement stands as a beacon of inspiration, the future is bright for this young star who at just 22 is setting the cricketing world alight.