Australia were 327/7 at stumps on Day 1 of the Women’s Ashes 2022/23 Test match, in Canberra. Meg Lanning (93) and Rachael Haynes (86), who were dropped on 14 and 44 respectively, put on 169 for the fourth wicket to help their side take the honours on the day.
However, England removed them in the space of four balls after tea. Lanning edged Nat Sciver to slip, while Haynes gloved Katherine Brunt behind. But Ash Gardner (56) and Tahlia McGrath (52) held the fort from there, adding 84 until the former was trapped leg before by Brunt (3-52). McGrath was bowled by Sciver (3-41) off the last ball of the day, leaving Annabel Sutherland not out on seven.
Earlier, Australia were reduced to 4/2 and then 43/3 after Heather Knight asked them to bat. The pace trio of Brunt, Sciver and Anya Shrubsole found significant movement through the air in the beginning. Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney (3) and Ellyse Perry (18), who had scored an unbeaten 213 and 116 in her previous two Ashes Test innings, fell cheaply. But Lanning and Haynes tightened their grips and forged a crucial partnership to help their side gain control.
England took four wickets in the final session to stage a fightback, but they were still on the back foot at stumps. Brunt and Sciver impressed with three wickets apiece, but Sophie Ecclestone disappointed in her 20 wicketless overs.
Australia, leading by 4-2 in the multi-format series, can retain the Ashes if they win the Test match.
Brief Scores: Australia 327/7 (Meg Lanning 93; Nat Sciver 3-41) vs England.