Women Ashes 2017-18, day-night Test: England women ensure no further hiccups; match ends in draw

Ellyse Perry's all-round efforts ensured Australia women a mammoth first-innings lead.

Resuming at 40 for no loss, England women reached 206 for 2 before the one-off Test, a day-night encounter, against Australia women resulted in a draw at North Sydney Oval, Sydney. England were made to work hard on the penultimate day, after being in a strong position, courtesy Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry’s 213-run knock. She ensured a 168-run lead, and visitors had to bat well to reach to safe shores on Sunday. Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight and Georgia Elwiss’ contributions ensured no further hiccups on the fourth and final day.

Tammy and Lauren Winfield started proceedings without any discomfort. The openers looked in no hurry and spent time in the middle; carving a steady partnership. Tammy was the first wicket of the day; falling to Amanda Wellington. Lauren followed suit. England looked in a spot of bother, but an unbeaten 117-run stand, for the third wicket, between Heather and Georgia led to a draw. The duo consumed a lot of deliveries and rotated strike with ease. Heather was aggressive, and struck 11 fours in her innings.

Australia used 8 bowlers, but found no luck when Heather-Goergia settled in. After the 2-1 ODI series victory, Australia maintained momentum courtesy their first-innings lead. The contest now moves onto the shortest format; comprising of 3 T20Is.

Brief scores

England women 280 & 206 for 2 (Tammy Beaumont 37, Heather Knight 79*, Georgia Elwiss 41*; Tahila McGrath 1 for 12) lead Australia women 448 for 9 decl. (Ellyse Perry 213*, Rachael Haynes 33, Tahila McGrath 47; Laura Marsh 3 for 109, Sophie Ecclestone 3 for 107) by 38 runs.

Man of the Match: Ellyse Perry