In a final match of the three-match ODI series between Australia and England at the Bellerive Oval, Hobart, England’s Sophie Ecclestone delivered a jaw-dropping performance on the field, leaving fans in awe. Ecclestone’s brilliance was on full display when she executed a spectacular catch to dismiss Australia’s top-order batter Annabel Sutherland.
Sophie Ecclestone’s stunning catch
It all happened in the 15th over when Charlie Dean bowled to Sutherland, who attempted an ambitious shot. Running down the track to a full delivery outside off, Sutherland aimed to loft the ball over extra cover. However, her shot lacked elevation and was sliced hard towards wide mid-off. Ecclestone, showcasing her athleticism, dived low to her left to complete a remarkable catch. Sutherland departed for 10 runs off 16 balls, including two boundaries. England’s sharp fielding and Dean’s accurate bowling put the team in a commanding position.
Here is the video:
Ecclestone dives for the catch and Sutherland has to go. Aussies now four down inside 15 overs! #Ashes #AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/H1b79SuOun
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 17, 2025
Dean continued her stellar bowling performance by claiming the crucial wicket of Beth Mooney in the 33rd over. Mooney, who had just reached her half-century, stepped out to a full delivery on off-stump, aiming for a big hit downtown. However, she mistimed her shot, sending the ball high into the air. Nat Sciver-Brunt, stationed at short extra cover, moved back swiftly and secured a well-judged catch over her shoulder. Mooney’s dismissal for 50 runs off 64 balls, including four boundaries, marked a turning point in the match as England disrupted a key partnership.
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Ecclestone shines with the ball and in the field
Ecclestone’s contribution wasn’t limited to her fielding heroics. In the 50th and final over of Australia’s innings, Ecclestone showcased her bowling prowess by dismissing Alana King. King, attempting a pull shot to a short delivery, mistimed her effort, dragging the ball off the thick inside edge. Alice Capsey, stationed at deep square leg, ran across and completed a fine catch. King departed for 9 runs off 8 balls.
Australia posts a formidable total
Opting to bat first, Australia set a challenging target of 309 runs for the loss of eight wickets. The highlight of their innings was Ashleigh Gardner’s brilliant century, which anchored the team’s total. Despite losing wickets at crucial moments, Australia’s batters managed to keep the scoreboard ticking, ensuring a strong finish.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.