Player ratings: Hometown pair lead Australia to women’s Ashes whitewash at MCG
Annabel Sutherland 10
The Melbourne local is no longer the heir apparent to Ellyse Perry, she has arrived as the team’s new all-round star. Promoted to three after Perry’s injury, Sutherland set up Australia’s massive innings, helped by some awful fielding. When the 23-year-old hangs them up, hopefully no earlier than a decade’s time, she is likely to be Australia’s leading female Test run-scorer.
Victorians Alana King and Annabel Sutherland soak up the adoration of the MCG crowd after spearheading Australia’s Ashes Test victory over England.Credit: Getty
Alana King 10
Bowling from the Shane Warne Stand end, the Victorian did the legend proud with nine wickets in an exquisite display of leg-spin. Her combination of spin and drift, while seldom losing control, was too much for England’s struggling batters. You’d love to see more women’s Tests scheduled just so you can watch her bowl in the game’s traditional format.
Beth Mooney 9
Is there anything the versatile Queenslander cannot do? She opened the batting in the white-ball games, deputised for Alyssa Healy behind the stumps and carved a ton in the middle order after three lives in her first 25 balls. Also topped the series run chart.
Beth Mooney raises her century early on Saturday; day three of the Ashes Test.Credit: Getty Images
Ash Gardner 8
Five wickets combined with 44 in the middle order was a strong return for the all-rounder, who played a support role with both bat and ball. Players like her who can command a spot in the team for either discipline are invaluable.
