Remaining unbeaten at 100, Beaumont guided England to 218-2 in reply to Australia’s 473.
With this feat, she became second in England women’s cricket after Heather Knight, and fourth after Jos Buttler, and Dawid Malan as the only England players to have scored centuries in all three formats of the game.
Annabel Sutherland Makes A Statement
On the other hand, for Australia, number eight Annabel Sutherland’s remarkable 137 propelled the visitors as Sophie Ecclestone recorded her best Test figures of 5-129 for England.
England faced frustration as Sutherland and Kim Garth, in their ninth-wicket partnership, added 95 runs, posing a challenge for Knight’s seamers on a flat pitch during the morning session.
Australia’s first-innings total of 473 is the highest in the history of women’s Test matches. However, England responded aggressively, not losing momentum even after Emma Lamb’s dismissal for 10 in the 10th over.
Knight contributed 57 runs in a partnership of 115 with Beaumont, with Australia’s bowlers facing a similar fate as their English counterparts despite having two additional spinners.
Tammy Beaumont Made Best of Her Chances
Beaumont had a stroke of luck on 61 when Australia chose not to review a catch, as replays revealed that she had hit the ball onto her boot before being caught at short leg.
As play resumes on day three, Beaumont will be joined by all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt, who scored a lively 41 off 44 balls.
Prior to the Ashes, England and their coach Jon Lewis emphasized their aggressive approach, promising to take the attack to Australia, particularly with the bat.
Beaumont demonstrated their commitment to this cause by reaching her century from 152 balls, including 16 fours, benefiting from a pitch that favored batsmen and Australia’s struggle to find swing or seam movement.
Beaumont’s determination may have been fueled by dropping Ellyse Perry on 10 during day one, after which the all-rounder went on to make 99. England’s intention is to make Perry and Australia regret their missed review opportunity.
Australia, renowned for their exceptional fielding, found themselves on the back foot, offering Beaumont and Knight numerous scoring opportunities despite their inconsistency.
However, Australia’s formidable batting lineup, exemplified by Sutherland’s century from the number eight position, posed a similar challenge to England.
Although Ash Gardner dismissed Knight, Sciver-Brunt swiftly filled the void and matched Beaumont’s fluent scoring with ease.
England still has a considerable number of runs to chase to surpass Australia’s total, but their aggressive approach and their first 200 runs send a clear message of intent to their opponents, underlining their determination to challenge the reigning world champions.