Annabel Sutherland's classy act for Ellyse Perry as historic feat stuns cricket world

Annabel Sutherland has shattered all manner of records after blasting an incredible double century in the women's cricket Test between Australia and South Africa at the WACA. The 22-year-old made 210 off 256 balls as Australia amassed a record total of 9d-575 on Friday.

Sutherland's score is the fourth-highest in the history of women's Tests, and the fastest double century ever. Kiran Baluch of Pakistan holds the world record for the highest score in a women's Test - 242 against the West Indies in 2004.

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The only other players to have scored more than Sutherland are Mithali Raj of India (214) and Australian teammate Ellyse Perry (213 not out). But tellingly, Sutherland's knock was the fastest double century in women's Tests in terms of balls faced (248). Australia's Karen Rolton held the previous record with her 306-ball double ton.

Sutherland also became the youngest Australian woman to score a double hundred in a Test match, and second youngest overall behind only the legendary Sir Donald Bradman. The Don was 21 years and 304 days when he notched his first double ton - 254 against England in 1930.

Sutherland fell just four runs short of eclipsing Perry's Australian record for highest score in a women's Test - not that she minded missing out. "I'm very happy for her to keep that record, she deserves it," Sutherland said. "She's an incredible player, and an even better person. The amount of time she's spent with the young girls coming through is a testament to that."

Aussies break records in women's Test against South Africa

Australia's total of 575 marked the highest score ever in a women's Test, bettering the 6d-569 that the Aussie team made against England in 1998. South Africa finished the second day at 3-67 - still behind by a whopping 432 runs.

Kim Garth snared two wickets on Friday evening as South Africa crashed to 3-13 in their second innings, before Delmi Tucker (27 not out) and Tazmin Brits (18 not out) steadied the ship somewhat for the tourists. The Aussies claimed the final seven wickets on Saturday to wi by an innings and 284 runs.

Sutherland's record-breaking knock came just a day after she took 3-19 as the Proteas were skittled for just 76. She claimed two more wickets on Saturday as South Africa were dismissed for 215.

She struck 27 fours and two sixes during her amazing innings, that even had the South Africans in awe. "That was exceptional. I don't think I've seen that good an innings live," South Africa all-rounder Nadine de Klerk said. "Spin didn't work, seam didn't work. She was just smashing us all around the ground."

Sutherland resumed on 54 on Friday and was hardly troubled in reaching the second Test hundred of her career. She also made 137 not out against England in 2022, making her the youngest Australian woman to achieve two centuries in women's Tests.

She also obliterated the record for highest score in a women's Test at the WACA, beating the 112 posted by Janette Brittin of England in 1984. Sutherland's joy came in complete contrast to Alyssa Healy's agony the previous evening when she fell on 99 - the exact same high score as husband Mitchell Starc.

With just four minutes remaining in the day, the Australian skipper was caught and bowled after chipping a simple catch back to Delmi Tucker. It ruined her hopes of becoming the first woman to score a century in all three formats of international cricket.

Highest scores in women's Test cricket history:

• 242 - Kiran Baluch - Pakistan v West Indies in Karachi in 2004

• 214 - Mithali Raj - India v England in Taunton in 2002

• 213 not out - Ellyse Perry - Australia v England in North Sydney in 2017

• 210 - Annabel Sutherland - Australia v South Africa in Perth in 2024

with AAP

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