Captain’s half-century builds lead on day of ups and downs after Sophie Ecclestone’s relentless bowling checked their progress
On the fourth morning of the Women’s Ashes Test in Nottingham, Australia had the game in their hands. One wicket down, 149 on the board, leading by 159 in the third innings, with their two most reliable hands Beth Mooney and Ellyse Perry together at the crease. Thirty-five overs later they were all out for 257, the last nine down for 108.
That session-and-a-bit of was like the breaking of a storm, after three and a half days of bowlers working thanklessly thanks to a batting pitch and a raft of missed chances from both teams. The game’s trajectory had not suggested losing two wickets in four Lauren Filer deliveries just before lunch, three wickets in 12 balls in the second session, or three in six balls just after tea.
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