Stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath heaped reward on “world-class” duo Annabel Sutherland and Ashleigh Gardner after their match-winning heroics helped Australia safe a six-wicket victory over England within the Ladies’s World Cup on Wednesday.
Chasing 245 for victory, Australia discovered themselves in early hassle at 68 for 4, earlier than Sutherland and Gardner produced a surprising rescue act. The pair stitched collectively an unbroken 180-run partnership for the fifth wicket, steering their aspect house with poise and energy. Gardner completed unbeaten on an impressive 104, whereas Sutherland narrowly missed a well-deserved century, remaining not out on 98.
AUS vs ENG, Ladies’s World Cup Highlights
“Bells and Ash had been simply world-class. It was so good to observe them bat with such composure and intent,” McGrath stated on the post-match presentation. “It was scientific, and I really feel for Bells a bit for lacking out on her hundred — she completely deserved it.”
McGrath, main the aspect within the absence of normal skipper Alyssa Healy, who’s recovering from a minor calf pressure, praised Sutherland’s consistency and maturity past her years. “She’s such a gun, and it is scary how younger she nonetheless is,” McGrath stated. “She’s one in every of our hardest employees, her planning is meticulous, and each time we’re in a troublesome spot, you simply flip to Bells. She’s that good.”
Participant of the Match Sutherland credited Gardner for her attacking intent, which saved the scoreboard shifting and helped shift momentum again in Australia’s favour. “It was fairly enjoyable batting with Ash,” Sutherland stated. “She retains issues ticking, and it was nice watching her take management. I simply tried to spend a while within the center — as soon as I bought in, it was a very nice wicket to bat on.”
Sutherland additionally spoke about trusting her instincts and refining her psychological strategy to batting. “I have been tinkering with a couple of issues mentally and simply making an attempt to provide myself the very best probability early in my innings. As soon as I settle, I again myself to money in,” she added.
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt admitted that the Australian pair’s partnership took the sport away from her aspect“We bowled nicely in patches, however the partnership between Ash and Belsey was distinctive. As soon as they bought going, it was powerful to cease them,” she stated, additionally conceding that England fell in need of a aggressive complete.
The victory additional underlined Australia’s depth and resilience — hallmarks of a champion aspect.
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