Australia leads the Women’s Ashes in 2023 despite Tammy Beaumont’s 208-point record

With a lead of 92 runs and all 10 of the second innings wickets in hand, Australia won the one-off Ashes Test on Saturday despite Tammy Beaumont’s 208 being the greatest women’s Test score for England ever.

After resuming on 100 not out, Beaumont broke Betty Snowball’s previous mark of 189 against New Zealand in February 1935, cementing her place in history.

The 32-year-old was granted a reprieve on Friday when Australia chose not to review a catch that would have sent her out on 61. She had previously successfully appealed a lbw ruling against her that had been made on 152.

“What a day,” BBC was informed by Beaumont. We still needed runs, so I didn’t want to celebrate that milestone since I wasn’t aware of it.

It’s an honor to get it, but for me, the main goal was to reach as near to the Australians’ score as possible.

At one point, Trent Bridge’s home team seemed to take the lead in the first innings thanks to Beaumont’s heroics.

England achieved 411-5 thanks to Natalie Sciver-Brunt’s 78 and Danni Wyatt’s 44 runs.

The last five wickets went for 52 runs, giving the visitors control of the day’s second half with Beaumont being the final woman out.

When Beth Mooney and Phoebe Litchfield reached 82-0 in the final 19 overs of the day, Australia pushed home its slim lead.

“I’d say we have the upper hand just a little bit,” remarked Ash Gardner of Australia.

“I believe the English ladies will find it challenging to bat in the second innings.

The occasional ball has stayed really low, which is about what we would anticipate from a Test match pitch. For us, I believe the most important thing is to play well straight and try to get the upper hand.

A multi-format Ashes series, featuring three Twenty20 matches and three one-day internationals, includes the five-day contest.