2 years ago
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Knight hundred is the first for England in a women's Test in Australia since Charlotte Edwards in 2011| Women's Ashes, one-off Test, Manuka Oval (day two of four) |
| Australia 337-9 dec Lanning 93, Haynes 86; Brunt 5-60 |
| England235-8 Knight 127 |
| Trail by 102 |
| Scorecard |
Captain Heather Knight single-handedly repelled Australia with a superb century to keep England in the Ashes on day two of the one-off Test in Canberra.
As the batting line-up crumbled around her, Knight hit 127 not out from 249 balls, her second Test ton, to drag England to 235-8 at the close, 102 behind.
Knowing defeat would see Australia retain the Ashes, Knight ensured England avoided the follow-on which, with rain forecast for the final two days, could be crucial in their bid to avoid to defeat.
The next highest score was 27 not out, made by number 10 Sophie Ecclestone who shared a crucial unbroken stand of 66 with Knight late in the day.
The England top-order was guilty of a number of soft dismissals, Opener Lauren Winfield-Hill, who edged a wafted drive to depart for four, and Amy Jones, caught off the top-edge at mid-on attempting to shovel the ball to leg, two of those culpable.
Earlier, Australia declared on 337-9 in the morning session with Katherine Brunt taking 5-60.
Even if England escape with a draw they will still need to win the three one-day internationals which follow to win the series.
More to follow
English (US)