Sophie Ecclestone and debutant Lauren Filer shone for England on Day 1 of the one-off Women’s Ashes Test against Australia, making crucial breakthroughs after Ellyse Perry fell just one run short of a century.
The visitors were restricted to 328 for seven, thanks to impressive performances by the English bowlers.
Ecclestone proved to be the tormentor-in-chief as she dismissed two key Australian batters in the same over. Jess Jonassen and stand-in captain Alyssa Healy were sent back to the pavilion, courtesy of Ecclestone’s skillful bowling. Meanwhile, Filer, making her debut, achieved a significant milestone by claiming the wicket of Perry, a prized scalp for any bowler.
Earlier in the innings, Ecclestone had also accounted for Tahlia McGrath, who had played a vital role in building a partnership of 119 runs with Perry.
Here’s the video:
YES SOPH! 👏
What a delivery to dismiss McGrath for an important breakthrough!#EnglandCricket #Ashes pic.twitter.com/okJRALfVV2
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 22, 2023
Ecclestone cleverly varied her line and length, bowling wider of the crease and delivering a slower ball with subtle drift. McGrath, drawn forward, was deceived by the turn away from her and saw her middle stump disturbed.
Ecclestone concluded an impressive day with bowling figures of 31-6-71-3 at Trent Bridge, showcasing her prowess as a left-arm spinner. Her contributions played a significant role in restricting the Australian team’s progress.
On the opening day of the only Test, a record-breaking crowd of 5,545 enthusiastic fans attended the match, marking the highest-ever attendance for a single day of a women’s Test match in England. The support from the fans added to the intensity of the contest and set the stage for an intriguing battle between the two teams as the series unfolded.
