Indore: Stand-in skipper Tahlia McGrath lauded “world-class” Annabel Sutherland and Ashleigh Gardner for bailing Australia out of early wobble and guiding them to a six-wicket win over England in the Women’s World Cup match here on Wednesday.
Sutherland (98 not out) and Gardner (104 not out) shared a 180-run alliance for the fifth wicket as the Aussies recovered from 68 for four to overhaul England’s 244.
“Bells and Ash were just world-class. So good to watch them. It was clinical and I feel for Bells a bit, not getting a hundred. She thoroughly deserved it,” McGrath said in the post-match presentation.
McGrath, leading the side in the absence of regular skipper Alyssa Healy, who is recovering from a minor calf strain, lauded Sutherland’s consistency and maturity beyond her years. “She’s such a gun, and it’s scary how young she still is,” McGrath said. “She’s one of our hardest workers, her planning is meticulous, and whenever we’re in a tough spot, you just turn to Bells. She’s that good.”
Player of the Match Sutherland credited Gardner for her attacking intent, which kept the scoreboard moving and helped shift momentum back in Australia’s favour. “It was pretty fun batting with Ash,” Sutherland said. “She keeps things ticking, and it was great watching her take control. I just tried to spend some time in the middle — once I got in, it was a really nice wicket to bat on.”
Sutherland also spoke about trusting her instincts and refining her mental approach to batting. “I’ve been tinkering with a few things mentally and just trying to give myself the best chance early in my innings. Once I settle, I back myself to cash in,” she added.
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt admitted that the Australian air’s partnership took the game away from her side. “We bowled well in patches, but the partnership between Ash and Belsey was exceptional. Once they got going, it was tough to stop them,” she said, also conceding that England fell short of a competitive total.
The victory further underlined Australia’s depth and resilience — hallmarks of a champion side.
