The Women’s Ashes 2023 one-off Test saw history being created on Saturday (June 24), with England’s Tammy Beaumont scoring the first-ever double ton for her team in the Test format and becoming only the eighth women player to touch the 200-run mark across the world. Notably, the previous highest score for England in the red ball format was 189, struck by Betty Snowball against New Zealand in February 1935.
The historic feat by Beaumont was achieved on the Day 3 of the Ashes Test as she resumed her innings on 100 runs and continued the impressive batting form. She played a key role in scoring runs for her team and remained steadfast at the crease despite England losing wickets at regular intervals. Beaumont’s exceptional innings saw her hit an impressive 27 boundaries and achieve her first-ever double-century shortly after the Tea break.
Speaking about her record-breaking knock post the stumps of Day 3, Beaumont said she’s happy to have achieved the milestone. She even reflected on her mindset while on the field and revealed how she didn’t hug Sophie Ecclestone after reaching the 200-run mark.
“It’s definitely pretty cool to have done. When I hit the ball, it was announced and Sophie Ecclestone was desperate to give me a hug. But I was like ‘no, no, the job’s not done here’, so I just sent her away. I guess I was in the zone and I wasn’t thinking about records, I was thinking about the game situation,” said Beaumont.
It was due to the outstanding performance of Beaumont only that England managed to reach a total of 463 runs before getting bowled out. However, the hosts still finished ten runs behind Australia’s 473 in the first innings.
Apart from Beaumont, Nat Sciver-Brunt scored 78 runs supported by 12 fours off 111 balls, while Danni Wyatt played a quick-fire innings of 44 runs from 49 balls.
Ashleigh Gardner‘s bowling performance stood out for Australia as she claimed four wickets, including the prized dismissal of Beaumont. Meanwhile, Tahlia McGrath chipped in with three wickets.
