Alana King spins out England as Aus Women Gain Upper Hand in Ashes Test

 


Alana King’s exceptional leg-spin performance handed Australia the advantage on the opening day of the day-night Ashes Test at the MCG, despite an injury concern for star all-rounder Ellyse Perry.

The Victorian-born spinner delivered a career-best spell of 4-45 from the Shane Warne end, dismantling England’s middle order as the visitors were bowled out for 170. Natalie Sciver-Brunt put up a determined fight with a gritty 51, but her efforts weren’t enough to prevent England from collapsing.

Australia then faced the challenge of batting under lights but navigated the session cautiously, reaching 1-56 at stumps. Debutant Georgia Voll (12) was the only batter to fall, edging Lauren Bell behind. Meanwhile, Phoebe Litchfield (20*) and Annabel Sutherland (24*) guided Australia safely to the close of play.

Perry’s Injury Concern

The biggest worry for Australia came when Ellyse Perry suffered a potential injury before the dinner break. She landed awkwardly while diving to stop a boundary and did not return for the rest of the day. As a precaution, Sutherland replaced her at No.3, with Perry set to be assessed before day two.

King’s Masterclass Turns the Tide

Earlier in the day, England made a steady start before quick strikes from Kim Garth and Darcie Brown reduced them to 3-64 at tea. From there, King took control, producing a mesmerizing spell from the iconic Shane Warne end.

Sophia Dunkley had an early reprieve when a stumping chance went begging on 16, but she didn’t capitalize, adding just five more runs before King held onto a return catch, breaking a 48-run stand with Sciver-Brunt.

Danni Wyatt-Hodge (22) soon followed, courtesy of a stunning diving catch by Phoebe Litchfield at silly point. Sophie Ecclestone lasted only seven balls before lofting one straight to Garth at short extra cover.

Ashleigh Gardner also chipped in, bowling Amy Jones (3) as England stumbled, losing 3-15 in the 10 overs before dinner.

Sciver-Brunt’s Resistance Ends, Australia in Control

King almost had a fourth wicket when Alyssa Healy appeared to take a low catch off Sciver-Brunt at first slip while she was on 44. However, replays showed the ball had not been cleanly taken, and the England vice-captain survived to reach a hard-fought half-century off 121 balls.

But King had the last word, eventually bowling Sciver-Brunt for 51—her fifth dismissal in seven innings on this tour in that manner.

A missed chance by Beth Mooney denied King a five-wicket haul, but England’s innings ended in chaotic fashion with a disastrous run-out, bringing their total to 170 in 71.4 overs. A defiant final-wicket stand between Ryana MacDonald-Gay and Lauren Bell lasted 8.1 overs, ensuring Australia’s openers had to bat under the floodlights.

With Australia firmly in control heading into day two, England will need quick wickets to stay in the contest.


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