England women finished day two of the Ashes Test in a dominant position after a fine performance with the ball.
After eventually being bowled out for 207, England reduced Australia to 159 for nine when the hosts decided to declare. England ended their second innings on nine without loss with Heather Knight and Caroline Atkins safely seeing out the remaining ten overs.
England resumed on 181 for eight with centurion Charlotte Edwards and Holly Colvin adding a further 15 runs before Lisa Sthalekar ended their 49 run partnership in the sixth over of the day.
England were eventually bowled out for 207 when Lauren Griffiths was bowled leaving Edwards on 114 not out, three runs short of her highest Test score.
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Katherine Brunt opened the bowling for England in her first Ashes Test in Australia and picked up the early wicket of Shelley Nitschke who was caught behind by Griffiths.
The gloves of Griffiths also gave Isa Guha her first wicket of the day and put Australia eight for two in the eighth over.
The bowling attack continued to take wickets with Jenny Gunn picking up two shortly after lunch through close catches from Atkins and Lydia Greenway.
Australia were trailing by 48 runs with one wicket in hand when they declared in the hope of some wickets late in the day, but Knight and Atkins held firm.
Isa Guha said: ”I’m really pleased with how we have performed.
“It’s been a real team effort with wickets shared amongst the bowlers. I think that shows the strength and variety in our bowling attack.”
Danielle Hazell said: ”It was a great feeling to pick up my first Test wickets. There was good energy in the field and support for all the bowlers.
“It was an interesting decision for them to declare but they know they have to win. We too are playing to win and I would personally love to pick up some more wickets along the way.”
Kim Mogg, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
