Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars batter Sarah Elliott has reached 95 not out on day one of the Women’s Ashes Test against England Women to propel her side to 3-243 at stumps.
The visitors won the toss and elected to bat in front of a crowd of more than 2,000 at Wormsley Cricket Ground. Rachael Haynes (10) and Meg Lanning (48) opened the batting and got off to a steady start before Haynes was bowled by Anya Shrubsole (1-42) in the tenth over. Lanning was joined at the crease by Elliott (95*) and they worked together to build a 70-run partnership before Lanning was run out by Katherine Brunt in the 35th over.
Elliott, whose last match for Australia was the Women’s Ashes Test in January 2011, showed great patience as she set about building a key partnership with Jess Cameron (50), which yielded 80 runs. Cameron, whose innings included 10 fours, was dismissed leg-before-wicket by Laura Marsh (1-56) on the ball after making her half century. Alex Blackwell (29*) joined Elliott in the middle following Cameron’s dismissal and batted out the remainder of the day.
England fast bowlers Katherine Brunt (0-28 from 18 overs) and Jenny Gunn (0-34 from 21 overs) were quite economical and finished with eight and 12 maiden overs respectively.
Following her 320 minute stint at the crease Elliot said: “The bowlers, I thought, did a great job bowling really tight lines. The pitch definitely had a bit in it early, which is really exciting for our bowlers. But then it’s a really great pitch once you’re in, I think it’s a great opportunity to cash in.”
“I’m really really pleased to be back in the team, it’s a great group to be around and it’s really nice to know that I can contribute in this format of the game.”
