Annabel Sutherland has been described as the cricketer “everyone dreams to be” following her stunning display in Australia’s day-night Test against India in Perth.
Sutherland snared career-best figures of 4-46 with the ball, as India was dismissed for 198 on the opening day of the one-off Test at the WACA ground.
In reply, Australia was struggling at 3-58 before Sutherland (20 not out) and Ellyse Perry (43 not out) combined to lift the home side to 3-96 by stumps.
Australia’s Lucy Hamilton said she was in awe of Sutherland’s ability.
“She’s definitely the high-performing athlete that everyone dreams to be,” she said.
“Being on the field and watching her do her thing was really cool.”
Jemimah Rodrigues, who made 52 for India, was also full of praise for Sutherland.
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Rodriques and Sutherland are teammates at Delhi Capitals in the Women’s Premier League.
“She’s one of the best all-rounders going around,” Rodrigues said.
“And watching her so closely [at] DC (Delhi Capitals), I think she’s very professional with her work.
“She’s well-prepared always and just knows her plans … she has a very calm head on her shoulders.”
Along with Sutherland, Hamilton performed well with the ball on Friday, snaring 3-31 in her Test debut.
She said claiming the first wicket of the match — a beautiful delivery that bowled star India batter Smriti Mandhana (4) — gave her confidence.
“It was really special,” Hamilton said.
“Getting the first wicket of the game was a tick in my box.
“And to do my job and come on for a second spell, and impact the game was really nice, and what a fast bowler always wants to do.”
AAP