A captain's innings on day two
History Makers—Part XXII
What follows is the latest installment in our series on the inaugural women’s Ashes tour of 1934/35. The previous installment is here.
Exhibition Ground Brisbane. Australia v England (First Test Match)
Day Two: 29th December 1934
Archdale and Spear take England close to victory.
Close of Play England 154 (Archdale 32, Palmer 7-18 ) Australia 5-99 (E Shevill 46* Pedan 2*, Spear 3-11, Valentine 1-9)
Play resumed on a beautiful sunny day as Australia fought back after a disastrous first day. Off-spinner Anne Palmer matched Myrtle Maclagan’s exploits on day one, taking seven wickets. Betty Archdale batted stoically for an undefeated 32, adding a crucial 38 runs with the tail for a lead of 107. Australia dominated immediately, with three wickets, falling for fifteen. Nell Mclarty was involved in all three dismissals, taking two catches off Palmer and bowling Joy Liebert. The dangerous Mary Spear, who has scored valuable lower-order runs throughout the tour, was given a life when dropped by deputy wicketkeeper Hazel Pritchard. Archdale and Spear put on 23 runs before Spear was bowled by Palmer for 9. Carol Valentine, whose brother Bryan had scored a century on his test debut, became the first player to achieve a golden duck.
Australia looked like a different team in their second innings. Pritchard and Monaghan were batting well until a combination of Child and Maclagan ran her out. Pritchard showed her class before being caught behind by Snowball off Spear. Australia were 2-38. Smith and Essie Shevil began to build a partnership; Smith played some classy shots but had some narrow escapes. To the home fans’ disappointment, Valentine bowled Smith for 12. Mclarty briefly impressed but soon fell to Spear, as did Kettles. Much will depend on Shevill, who batted well for 46*, and Peden if Australia is to set England a testing target.
England’s pace bowlers have been as effective in Australia’s second innings as their spinners in the first, and they look like firm favourites, while Australia has shown that the rest of the series will be competitive.
The Scorebook can be seen here courtesy of Women’s Cricket History.