England Shine Brightly
History Makers—Part XXVII
What follows is the latest installment in our series on the inaugural women’s Ashes tour of 1934/35. The previous installment is here.
Sydney Cricket Ground. Australia v England (Second Test Match)
Day Three: 7th January 1935
Close of Play: Australia 162 (K Smith 47, PJ Brewer 34, Mclagan 4-33, MF Spear 2-19 ) England 5-301 ( ME Naclagan 119, EA Snowball 71, ME Hide 34, EM Child 30*, J Partridge 26*, ) Attendance 4963.Gate Receipts £219/8/ Hours of play 1:15-6:15.
England are in Control
Nearly 5,000 Sydneysiders watched England take control after two Victorians briefly rallied Australia. Excellent weather beckoned Victorians Antonio and Palmer, who watched the rain fall over the weekend to the wicket. They batted aggressively for ten minutes, adding 15 valuable runs as Australia closed on 162. Antonio went after Partridge before Maclagan, the player of the series so far, trapped Palmer LBW.
England batted cautiously, scoring at just over one run an over for ten overs, including four maidens. At this stage, Snowball moved through the gears, Antonio’s fourth over going for ten runs. England scored quickly, 50 in 47 minutes and 100 in 89. The players took tea with the score at 115-0.
Kath Smith had been the pick of the bowlers, bowling economically all day apart from one expensive over late in her spell. When Snowball scored 71, she became the first of Smith’s three wickets. Hide joined Maclagan, accumulating 34 in 51 minutes. As Maclagan neared three figures, she slowed until she became the first centurion in women’s test cricket with a perfect cover drive. When Hide was bowled by Smith for 34, a cluster of wickets followed. England was on top but had been pinned back to 232 for 4. Turner followed but didn’t stay for long. However, Child and Partridge scored rapidly, scoring 52 in 38 minutes. At the close, England were 5-301, a lead of 139. Australia will need to bat well on the final day to survive.
At the close of play, Australia’s captain, Peden, was invited to the England dressing room, where she was presented with a bat in recognition of all she had done on the field and as an administrator to ensure the tour was a success.
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