Annabel Sutherland’s unbeaten 93 and Ellyse Perry’s composed 76 have put Australia in a strong position on day two of the pink-ball Test against India. The hosts, at tea, reached 217/4 in 58 overs, holding a lead of 19 runs at the WACA Ground. Australia dominated the morning session with both players showcasing solid batting performances, consolidating their partnership and keeping the scoreboard ticking against India’s bowling attack.
Ellyse Perry, who last scored a fifty in July 2023, was on track for a century before being dismissed lbw by Deepti Sharma after crossing 1,000 career Test runs. This milestone made her Australia’s top run-scorer in Tests and the first woman to achieve 1,000 runs and 30 wickets in the format. Meanwhile, Annabel Sutherland, despite being dropped on 90, continued confidently towards her fourth Test century. Beth Mooney, offering valuable support, remained not out on 19 after being given two reprieves early in her innings.
The strong 128-run partnership between Sutherland and Perry not only helped Australia surpass India’s first-innings total of 198 but also placed them in a favorable position with six wickets in hand. India’s bowlers struggled to make an impact on a surface that offered little turn to the spinners and lacked penetration for the seamers. With missed opportunities in the field adding to their woes, India faces the challenge of striking back in the second session to prevent Australia from taking a commanding lead.
