Ace all-rounder Ellyse Perry has etched her name in the record books, becoming the highest run-scorer for Australia Women in Test cricket. This historic achievement occurred on the second day of the standalone Test match against India at the WACA Stadium in Perth.
Perry’s crucial knock of 76 runs not only saw her surpass the 1000-run career mark for Australia in the first innings but also pushed her past former captain Karen Rolton’s previous record of 1002 runs. Her stellar innings eventually concluded when she was dismissed by off-spinner Deepti Sharma.
The milestone was achieved with a single off the final delivery of the 43rd over, bowled by Sneh Rana. Soon after, a stepped-out lofted shot over mid-off for four officially saw her break Rolton’s long-standing record. Perry was then trapped lbw by Deepti Sharma, caught on the crease by a delivery that stayed low, ending her impactful innings without further additions.
Australia wrapped up their first batting innings, being bowled out for 323, establishing a substantial lead of 125 runs. A standout performance came from Annabel Sutherland, who scored a brilliant 129 – her third consecutive century in multi-day cricket and fourth in a career spanning just five Tests. Her formidable 128-run partnership with Perry proved to be the backbone of the Australian total.
Earlier in the match, India was bowled out for 198 in their first innings, despite a resilient 52 from Jemimah Rodrigues. Sutherland showcased her all-round prowess by also picking up four wickets. Debutant Lucy Hamilton made an immediate impression with three wickets, while Dracie Brown secured two, and Ashleigh Gardner claimed one.
In her 15 Test appearances for Australia Women, Perry has accumulated 1002 runs at an impressive average of 59.17, including two centuries. Her highest score of 213 not out against England remains the third-highest individual score in the history of the format. Beyond her batting heroics, the star all-rounder has also taken 39 wickets at an excellent average of 21.82, with her career-best figures of 6/32 also coming against the English side.
As the second day’s play concluded, Australia found themselves in a dominant position. India, in their second innings, were struggling at 105/6, still trailing by 20 runs. Pratika Rawal remained unbeaten on 43, partnered by Sneh Rana on 14. Lucy Hamilton continued her brilliant debut, adding three more wickets to bring her match tally to six. Sutherland contributed another two wickets, and Brown picked up one more scalp.
