Perth, March 7 – Annabel Sutherland smashed a masterful 129 to put Australia in control of the pink-ball Test against India, as the hosts extended their lead to 112 runs at the close of play on the second day, despite a determined effort from the visitors to remain competitive.
The session largely belonged to Sutherland, who reached her fourth Test century off 133 balls and became the first Australian woman to score four hundreds in the format, and the first to record three consecutive centuries.
Her innings, which featured 17 boundaries, was marked by patience and authority, mixing crisp drives with calculated aggression, and she surpassed 700 career Test runs in the process. Sutherland's dismissal – caught at long-on by Harmanpreet Kaur off Deepti Sharma – came after she had anchored Australia's middle order through a challenging period, as India fought back with a series of wickets.
Beth Mooney's shaky 19 ended with a chip to short extra cover, Ashleigh Gardner was bowled for one, and Smriti Mandhana made a sharp catch at short leg to remove Tahlia McGrath for 13. These dismissals briefly lifted India's hopes, but Sutherland's dominance ensured Australia maintained their advantage.
Debutant Lucy Hamilton (12 not out) and hometown favourite Alana King (21 not out) further frustrated India by putting together a 33-run stand for the ninth wicket. Their resistance came after India had opted to use the new ball under lights, with Kashvee Gautam and Kranti Gaud having the first opportunity with the fresh pink ball.
However, they failed to deliver the breakthroughs India needed, as Australia crossed the 300 mark and consolidated their lead. India's bowlers, led by Deepti and Kranti, continued to probe, but were undermined by poor decision-making in reviews and a lack of ideas in bowling under lights.
With two wickets still in hand and the lead already past 100, Australia will aim to extend their advantage in the evening session. For India, early wickets after the break are essential to prevent the deficit from growing too large.
Brief Scores: India 198 in 62.4 overs (Jemimah Rodrigues 52; Annabel Sutherland 4-46) vs Australia 310/8 in 88 overs (Annabel Sutherland 129, Ellyse Perry 76; Sayali Satghare 2-38, Kranti Gaud 2-63) – Australia lead by 112 runs
