England vs Australia LIVE: Cricket scorecard and Women’s Ashes updates from day three at Trent Bridge

Tammy Beaumont reaches her historic 200 during day three (Getty Images)
Tammy Beaumont reaches her historic 200 during day three (Getty Images)

Tammy Beaumont’s historic 208 underpinned England’s highest-ever Test total against Australia to set up what is effectively a one-innings shootout in this Women’s Ashes series opener.

After breaking Betty Snowball’s 88-year record for the highest score by an England woman in going past 189, Beaumont became her nation’s first double centurion and just the eighth female overall in Tests.

Her epic knock lasted more than eight hours across two days and included 27 fours before she was bowled after missing a sweep at Ashleigh Gardner, last out to abruptly end England’s first-innings on 463.

England lost their last four wickets for just 15 runs as Australia held a lead of 10 at the halfway mark of a contest that starts the multi-format series, which they upped to 92 after closing on 82 without loss to get their noses in front at stumps on day three.

Relive all the action from the Women’s Ashes, below:

Women’s Ashes: England vs Australia

  • England host Australia in the only test match of the Women’s Ashes at Trent Bridge

  • CLOSE: Australian openers start superbly to build lead of 92 by the end of day three

  • OUT! Beaumont finally out for 208 as England fall ten short of Aussie total- England 463 all out

  • OUT! Filer edges to Healy of McGrath for 11 - England 463-9

  • OUT! Cross bowled as Australia strike in quick succession - England 448-8

  • OUT! Ecclestone out LBW after review - England 448-7

  • RECORD BREAKER! Beaumont becomes the first English woman to score a double century - England 437-6

  • HISTORY! Beaumont breaks record for highest English score in women’s Test cricket

  • OUT! Jones caught for 13 as England lose sixth wicket - England 411-6

  • OUT! Wyatt departs cheaply after quickfire 44 - England 390-5

  • NOT OUT! Beaumont survives LBW appeal on review having passed 150 - England 319-4

  • OUT! Dunkley bowled for as Australia make early inroad after lunch - England 318-4

  • LUNCH: Positive morning session reduces England’s deficit to 165 runs - England 308-3

  • OUT! Sciver-Brunt caught behind off Gardner for 78 - England 288-3

STUMPS: Australia 82-0 (19) Mooney 33, Litchfield 41 (lead by 92)

18:54 , Ben Fleming

Tammy Beaumont’s historic 208 underpinned England’s highest-ever Test total against Australia to set up what is effectively a one-innings shootout in this Women’s Ashes series opener.

After breaking Betty Snowball’s 88-year record for the highest score by an England woman in going past 189, Beaumont became her nation’s first double centurion and just the eighth female overall in Tests.

Her epic knock lasted more than eight hours across two days and included 27 fours before she was bowled after missing a sweep at Ashleigh Gardner, last out to abruptly end England’s first-innings on 463.

England lost their last four wickets for just 15 runs as Australia held a lead of 10 at the halfway mark of a contest that starts the multi-format series, which they upped to 92 after closing on 82 without loss to get their noses in front at stumps on day three.

Read the full report from Trent Bridge below:

Tammy Beaumont makes history with 208 but Australia nudge ahead in Ashes Test

Until tomorrow...

18:52 , Ben Fleming

With a historic day behind us, it’s all eyes on tomorrow. England need wickets, and ten off them if they are going to have a crack at chasing down whatever score the Aussies can set. Meanwhile, Moody, Litchfield and the rest of the Australian top order will be looking to pile on plenty more runs to set up their chances of victory.

It promises to be an intriguing day four in this women’s Ashes Test match. We hope you’ll join us for it!

Tammy Beaumont on her record-breaking double century

18:49 , Ben Fleming

Speaking to Sky Sports, she said: “I can’t quite believe it to be honest. I was pretty overwhelmed when I scored a double hundred in the Australia A game last week and thought there is no chance of repeating it.

“I’d been pretty calm for 300 and however many balls, but I thought if you’re going to score a double hundred you might as well let it rip [with the celebration]. An amazing feeling. A lot of family in today so it was a great, great day.

“They tried to put me off by doing an interview for another broadcaster at tea when I was on 195 and all I wanted to do was get off the pitch but I just had a day out today, I was in the zone the entire time. I reckon the girls will tell you I said nothing at tea - I was just stealy eyes.”

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

STUMPS: Australia 82-0 (19) Mooney 33, Litchfield 41 (lead by 92)

18:35 , Ben Fleming

Well, Australia will be the happier of the two sides come the end of the play but the day undeniably belongs to the historic, record-breaking batting exploits of Tammy Beaumont.

The opener scored a double hundred in a warm-up game against Australia A last week and she followed it up in today’s first innings to become the first English woman to score a double century in Test match cricket.

Having ended on 208, she now has the fifth-highest score in Women’s Test cricket history and it’s a day that she or anyone in attendance will struggle to forget for some time yet.

STUMPS: Australia 82-0 (19) Mooney 33, Litchfield 41, Knight 0-4 (2) (lead by 92)

18:28 , Ben Fleming

Some signs of aggression against the spin in the last over of the day from the Aussies, as Litchfield gets to the pitch of the ball and strokes it through the covers for four on the full.

She remains focused and sees out the rest of the over and that will be stumps. Some loose bowling from England in those first dozen overs really let the Australian openers get off to a flyer in their second innings - they end 82 without loss and with a lead of 92.

They now look well-set to put themselves in a position to go for the win tomorrow and on day five.

Australia 78-0 (18) Mooney 33, Litchfield 37, Ecclestone 0-3 (4) (lead by 88)

18:23 , Ben Fleming

Mooney and Litchfield look content to play out Ecclestone to end the day. Litchfield almost edges one to Dunkley who is fielding in close but the ball doesn’t carry. Mooney scrambles through on the last ball to avoid another maiden over.

Australia 77-0 (17) Mooney 33, Litchfield 36, Knight 0-0 (1) (lead by 87)

18:20 , Ben Fleming

The captain brings herself on and it’s spin from both ends for England. It makes sense considering how the quicks have got on and Knight continues the squeeze with a maiden over to start. Only a few overs remaining in the day now, can England get a late wicket?

Australia 77-0 (16) Mooney 33, Litchfield 36, Ecclestone 0-2 (3) (lead by 87)

18:17 , Ben Fleming

Ecclestone, meanwhile, continues to bowl in her accurate and metronomic style. Cross does well to get down and prevent Mooney’s punch from piercing the infield and it’s just another single from the over.

Australia 76-0 (15) Mooney 32, Litchfield 36, Filer 0-23 (4) (lead by 86)

18:13 , Ben Fleming

Filer, like Cross and Bell before her, continues to search for that consistent line and length. She pins back Litchfield nicely on the crease with the fifth ball but such deliveries have been few and far between. Five runs from the over.

Australia 71-0 (14) Mooney 31, Litchfield 33, Ecclestone 0-1 (2) (lead by 81)

18:08 , Ben Fleming

Some more sharp bowling from Ecclestone who concedes just one off the over. The only England bowler to really find her line and length consistently so far in these opening 14 overs

Australia 70-0 (13) Mooney 31, Litchfield 32, Filer 0-18 (3) (lead by 80)

18:06 , Ben Fleming

The first ball is in full once again and Mooney cashes in down the ground but there’s a half chance shortly after as she carves one through gully. Sciver-Brunt divers to her right but it evades the all-rounder and runs away to the boundary.

Australia 62-0 (12) Mooney 23, Litchfield 32, Ecclestone 0-0 (1) (lead by 72)

17:59 , Ben Fleming

You wondered how long it would take for Heather Knight to turn to Sophie Ecclestone. 11 overs is the answer as England’s main threat comes into the attack. There was a five-wicket haul in the first innings - a first for a women’s Test match - and she starts with a maiden this time around.

Australia 62-0 (11) Mooney 23, Litchfield 32, Filer 0-10 (2) (lead by 72)

17:57 , Ben Fleming

Filer comes around the wicket for the first time to the left-handers and it looks better. Litchfield has to do well to dig out a yorker but the Aussie openers still take five from the over to move their lead past 70.

Australia 57-0 (10) Mooney 22, Litchfield 28, Bell 0-24 (5) (lead by 67)

17:51 , Ben Fleming

Bell bowls too full and then too wide and Litchfield takes full advantage with two boundaries conceded from the first three balls of her fifth over.

The first boundary also brings up Australia’s 50-run partnership for the first wicket. It’s come in absolutely no time. They are scoring at 5.7 runs per over - that’s just what they would have wanted to start their second innings.

Australia 48-0 (9) Mooney 22, Litchfield 19, Filer 0-5 (1) (lead by 58)

17:47 , Ben Fleming

Kate Cross has gone off the field after that caught and bowled opportunity, so Lauren Filer is into the attack. The debutant had an exciting first innings but can’t find her line at all in this first over. The first five deliveries drift down the leg side and she’s perhaps a tad fortunate to escape with just a single and one boundary.

Australia 43-0 (8) Mooney 18, Litchfield 18, Bell 0-15 (4) (lead by 53)

17:43 , Ben Fleming

Bell creating plenty of movement in this second innings but not quite finding enough consistency as Mooney drives into the off side for another boundary. These Aussie openers have progressed quickly with the lead already back over 50.

Australia 39-0 (7) Mooney 14, Litchfield 18, Cross 0-27 (4) (lead by 49)

17:37 , Ben Fleming

Cross changes her angle as well to the left-handers. A two and a quick single is followed by a superb response which beats Litchfield’s edge.

CHANCE! But down from Cross. It’s a straight drive two balls later that comes right back at the bowler but she just can’t get her hands down quick enough to grab the chance and it runs away for four. To add insult to injury, Litchfield crunches one through the covers the very next ball to end the over.

An expensive start so far for Kate Cross.

Australia 28-0 (6) Mooney 11, Litchfield 10, Bell 0-11 (3) (lead by 38)

17:33 , Ben Fleming

An uncharacteristic delivery from Bell sprays down leg side and runs away for five wides. She changes the angle but it’s full and on the legs of Mooney who flicks it away for three runs into the leg side.

Australia 20-0 (5) Mooney 8, Litchfield 10, Cross 0-16 (3) (lead by 30)

17:26 , Ben Fleming

Much better from Cross who drags her length bang and beats Mooney’s outside edge with the wobble ball that just nips off the surface. A flick down to fine leg gets Mooney off strike but Litchfield cashes in with the last ball as Cross, once again, overpitches.

Australia 15-0 (4) Mooney 7, Litchfield 6, Bell 0-3 (2) (lead by 25)

17:23 , Ben Fleming

Litchfield carves one through the slip cordon well for a couple but it’s a good response from Bell who continues to test the patience of the opener outside the off stump. The final ball forces a shot out of Litchfield and just about gets her bat there on time, with an inside edge deflecting it onto the pad.

Australia 13-0 (3) Mooney 7, Litchfield 4, Cross 0-11 (2) (lead by 23)

17:18 , Ben Fleming

Cross still struggling to find her line and length earlier in this second innings. Mooney latches onto a full delivery and clatters it down the ground for her first boundary off the day.

Australia 9-0 (2) Mooney 3, Litchfield 4, Bell 0-1 (1) (lead by 19)

17:14 , Ben Fleming

And Lauren Bell will take the ball at the other end for England. She is renowned for her in-swinging delivery to the right-hander and immediately gets some movement away from the left-handed Litchfield.

A harsh wide with Bell’s second ball but Litchfield happy to leave the rest of the deliveries with a watchful eye.

Australia 8-0 (1) Mooney 3, Litchfield 4, Cross 0-7 (1) (lead by 18)

17:09 , Ben Fleming

Kate Cross opening the bowling for England and there are some early signs of swing. There’s also some early signs of a few looseners from Cross who is a bit wide and full with her opening deliveries. Mooney drives down the ground while Litchfield carves one through the covers for four. Eight off the first over for Australia.

England 438 all out

16:59 , Ben Fleming

They may have fallen ten runs short but you don’t suspect England will be too bothered. They’ve got up and around that Aussie total and are right in this game.

They’ll be particularly encouraged by the movement that was on display for Perry and McGrath late on - England’s quicks will need some early inroads if they are to set up victory in the final two days.

WICKET! Beaumont 208 b Gardner (England 463 all out)

16:55 , Ben Fleming

And that is that. A big swing across the line and Beaumont is clean bowled by Gardner. That brings to an end England’s innings and more importantly the historic knock of Tammy Beaumont. 208 runs and the first English woman to make a Test match double century.

She’s congratulated by the Australian players and receives a rousing reception from this Trent Bridge crowd as she departs. That’s the fifth-highest score in women’s Test match history.

England fall just ten runs short of Australia’s first-innings total but that’s a sterling effort.

England 463-9 (121), Bell 0, Beaumont 208, McGrath 3-24 (12) (trail by 10)

16:50 , Ben Fleming

Lauren Bell is England’s 11th batter and a proper tailender in every sense of the word. She survives the over, though, and Beaumont will be back on strike. You suspect she’ll be looking to farm as much of the strike as possible.

WICKET! Filer 11 c Healy b McGrath (England 463-9)

16:48 , Ben Fleming

McGrath continues her impressive second spell with the ball today as he gets a bit more nip off the surface to find Filer’s edge. Healy takes a sharp catch behind the stumps and England are nine down.

England 463-8 (120), Filer 11, Beaumont 208, Gardner 3-99 (25) (trail by 10)

16:46 , Ben Fleming

Lauren Filer is certainly looking to swing the bat and she finds her second boundary with a heave across the line and into the leg side. Another one is guided down past the slips and it’s another three runs on the board.

Beaumont finds another single, as does Filer with another guided shot down towards third man, and England take 10 runs from the over. They trail by just 10 now.

England 453-8 (119), Filer 3, Beaumont 206, McGrath 2-24 (11) (trail by 20)

16:41 , Ben Fleming

Filer, on England debut, gets off the mark in superb style after that Cross wicket with a beautifully-placed cover drive for three. Beaumont adds another before a wide means England trail by just 20.

WICKET! Cross 0 b McGrath (England 448-8)

16:37 , Ben Fleming

Just what the Aussies had wanted. They get Kate Cross back on strike and McGrath strikes first ball with an absolute snorter. It pitches on middle and off but nips off the surface to castle Cross’ off stump.

Cross looks frustrated but there’s not a whole lot she could have done about that. England eight down and still 25 runs behind.

England 448-7 (118), Cross 0, Beaumont 205, Gardner 3-89 (24) (trail by 25)

16:34 , Ben Fleming

A change of bowling as spin is brought back into the attack in the form of Ash Gardner. Australia have spread the field as they look to get Cross back on strike. Beaumont is busy at the crease but can’t find a run - a maiden to start with for Gardner.

England 448-7 (117), Cross 0, Beaumont 205, McGrath 1-19 (10) (trail by 25)

16:33 , Ben Fleming

There was a boundary and a single from Beaumont prior to that Ecclestone wicket as England now are 25 runs behind Australia’s first-innings score. Kate Cross is the new batter and blocks out her first ball to end the over.

WICKET! Ecclestone 17 lbw b McGrath (England 448-7)

16:31 , Ben Fleming

McGrath has bowled economically in this Test and gets her reward as Ecclestone misses a full, straight delivery. It’s reviewed by the England batter but nothing doing as replays show it didn’t hit the bat and would go on to clip leg stump.

England seven down and trail by 25.

England 443-6 (116), Ecclestone 17, Beaumont 200, Sutherland 1-68 (15) (trail by 30)

16:25 , Ben Fleming

Six more come from the over as Ecclestone flicks one towards the leg-side boundary for four. England trailing by just 30 now.

RECORD-BREAKING DOUBLE CENTURY FOR TAMMY BEAUMONT!

16:24 , Ben Fleming

It’s there! Beaumont flicks a single down to fine leg to bring up a historic double century. It’s the first in women’s Test match cricket for an England player and just the eighth in the history of women’s Test match cricket.

317 balls, 26 fours and 200 glorious, well-deserved runs.

She takes her helmet off and drinks in the applause from this Trent Bridge crowd. What an achievement and what a player.

England 436-6 (115), Ecclestone 11, Beaumont 199, Mcgrath 0-14 (9) (trail by 37)

16:19 , Ben Fleming

Ecclestone eagerly down the pitch looking for a single to put Beaumont on strike but she’s quickly sent back by her partner.

A couple of dots before a wonderful cross-seam delivery beats England’s number eight all ends up. A watchful over and a maiden for Australia. Beaumont back on strike on 199...

England 436-6 (114), Ecclestone 11, Beaumont 199, Sutherland 1-61 (14) (trail by 37)

16:15 , Ben Fleming

It’s crunched down the ground by Beaumont who, for a moment, perhaps thinks she has her double hundred. It’s partially fielded at mid on, though, and it’s only one.

Ecclestone pulls one into the leg side to move herself into double figures. Can Beaumont get over the line with three balls remaining? Not quite. It’s pulled around the corner to fine leg and she moves on to 199.

Ecclestone with a single off the last and she’ll keep the strike.

England 432-6 (113), Ecclestone 9, Beaumont 197, Mcgrath 0-14 (8) (trail by 41)

16:11 , Ben Fleming

Healy had bowled well before tea but McGrath is preferred after the break. She bowled economically in her first seven overs but Beaumont is off the mark straight away and adds another single to her tally before Ecclestone again has her outside edge beaten with a good delivery.

She can’t follow it up as she spears one down leg side and England collect a couple of byes to end the over.

England 429-6 (112), Ecclestone 9, Beaumont 196, Sutherland 1-57 (13) (trail by 44)

16:06 , Ben Fleming

Beaumont with a quick single from the second ball after tea as she moves to 196. Sutherland responds well and beats the outside edge of Ecclestone with a hint of seam off the pitch. Just the one off the over.

TEA: England 428-6 (111), Ecclestone 9, Beaumont 195 (trail by 45)

15:51 , Ben Fleming

An even session, that, you’d have to say. Beaumont remains there for England and their deficit is under 50 but Australia have found three wickets which they’ll no doubt be pleased with. If they can get Ecclestone out cheaply they’ll fancy their chances of getting some form of a lead after both first innings.

For England, it’s just a case of plodding on as they have been. They’ll no doubt be some nerves for Beaumont who sits tantalisingly close to England’s first women’s Test match double-hundred. If she can get that done, she’ll want to press on and try to secure a lead for her side.

TEA: England 428-6 (111), Ecclestone 9, Beaumont 195, Perry 1-39 (10) (trail by 45)

15:44 , Ben Fleming

Ecclestone is very handy with the bat and gets off the mark with a nice flick into the leg side for four. A single buts Beaumont back on strike and she finds another single cutting down to deep point.

Ecclestone with the last ball...four more! Short and wide from Perry and Ecclestone throws her hands at it. It flies over gully and the slips and races away for another boundary. England’s deficit under 50 now.

And with that, we’ll head off for tea.

England 416-6 (110), Ecclestone 0, Beaumont 193, Sutherland 1-56 (12) (trail by 56)

15:40 , Ben Fleming

HISTORY FOR TAMMY BEAUMONT! She guides it between gully and the slip cordon for four and breaks Betty Snowball’s 88-year record for the highest score by an England batter in women’s Test match cricket (189). A superb knock from the opener who will now eye up a famous double century.

The runs also move England past their previous best score against Australia which was 414. Records falling everywhere you look but plenty for England still to do in this game if they want to try and force a result.

England 411-6 (109), Ecclestone 0, Beaumont 188, Perry 1-27 (9) (trail by 62)

15:36 , Ben Fleming

A wicket maiden for Perry as England still trail by 62. Still plenty of work for England to reach parity with Australia and the Aussies have a slight spring in their step as they know a couple of quick wickets could give them a chance at a healthy first-innings lead.

WICKET! Jones 13 c Sutherland b Perry (England 411-6)

15:31 , Ben Fleming

A soft dismissal for Amy Jones who is caught easily by Sutherland and mid on. She’s looking to flick it through the leg side but a bit of movement and a mistimed shot sends it straight up into the air and Sutherland makes no mistake to give Australia their sixth wicket of this innings.

England still trail by 62.

England 411-5 (108), Jones 13, Beaumont 188, Brown 1-78 (17) (trail by 62)

15:27 , Ben Fleming

Jones is only dealing in boundaries at the minute and she pulls another short ball past deep mid-wicket for four. A very solid start for the wicketkeeper. A single down to fine leg from Jones brings five from the over as England trail by just 62 now.

England 406-5 (107), Jones 8, Beaumont 188, Perry 0-27 (8) (trail by 67)

15:23 , Ben Fleming

Full and outside off, and Beaumont drives Perry through the covers for a couple. Four more follow as the Beaumont flicks it fine off her hip to the boundary rope. Beaumont is now one run from levelling the highest score for England in Test match cricket.

England 400-5 (106), Jones 8, Beaumont 182, Brown 1-73 (16) (trail by 73)

15:17 , Ben Fleming

Another single from Beaumont, who continues to tick over with relative ease. Jones is offered some width outside off stump and takes full advantage, cutting it between gully and point for her second boundary.

That also brings up England’s 400, with cheers around the ground greeting them. They still have some more work to do to get up and around Australia’s total but it’s a superb response to this point.

England 395-5 (105), Jones 4, Beaumont 181, Perry 0-21 (7) (trail by 78)

15:14 , Ben Fleming

A change in the bowling as Ellyse Perry replaces Garth and the Aussie all-rounder is definitely getting some movement with the new ball. Beaumont gets herself off strike with a single before Alana King gets down well at point to prevent Jones’ drive from getting to the boundary.

England 394-5 (104), Jones 4, Beaumont 180, Brown 1-68 (15) (trail by 79)

15:09 , Ben Fleming

Jones is next in and has a couple of deliveries that bounce up high on the bat with the new ball. She responds in emphatic style, though, jumping onto a short ball and pulling it away confidently for her first boundary.

WICKET! Wyatt 44, c Jonassen b Brown (England 390/5)

15:06 , Ben Fleming

Frustration for Wyatt, jubilation for Australia. She had played so well for her quickly-made 44 but the new ball pays dividends for Brown. Wyatt tries to guide it through the slips but it’s almost fielding practice for Jess Jonassen who takes a simple catch at second slip.

England 390-4 (103), Wyatt 44, Beaumont 180, Garth 0-61 (22) (trail by 83)

15:02 , Ben Fleming

Tammy Beaumont gets an important single to move to 179 and draw level with the legendary Rachel Heyhoe Flint for the highest score against Australia in Test matches.

Dani Wyatt is again offered width and cuts with impeccable timing behind square for four.

Beaumont gets another single to end the over and she now moves past Heyhoe Flint’s record - she now has the record for the highest against Australia in Test matches. A superb acheivement.

Another single from Wyatt means it’s eight of the over from England who now trail by just 83 runs

England 382-4 (102), Wyatt 38, Beaumont 178, Brown 0-64 (14) (trail by 91)

14:57 , Ben Fleming

The Australians have started well with the new ball but Brown eventually offers Wyatt too much with outside off stump and the England batter cashes in as she flashes it through backward point for a boundary.

38 of 43 runs on debut for Wyatt - very solid indeed.

England 378-4 (101), Wyatt 34, Beaumont 178, Garth 0-53 (21) (trail by 95)

14:54 , Ben Fleming

Kim Garth takes the new ball at the other end and starts with a couple of looseners down the leg side. One single off the over in the end.

England 377-4 (100), Wyatt 33, Beaumont 178, Brown 0-60 (13) (trail by 96)

14:45 , Ben Fleming

Those signs of the Aussie quicks warming up were for the new ball and Healy finally opts to take it as we enter the 100th over of this England innings. Darcie Brown is the person given the first over which Wyatt flicks around the corner for one.

Beaumont is served up a well-targeted bouncer before flinging her hands at the next one which is served up temptingly outside off stump. No edge forthcoming but a good start from Brown.

That’s also drinks after the first hour of the afternoon session - another good one for England who have lost Sophia Dunkley but put on 69 runs to bring the deficit under 100.

England 376-4 (99), Wyatt 32, Beaumont 178, Jonassen 0-24 (5) (trail by 97)

14:40 , Ben Fleming

With a single of the first, Wyatt and Beaumont bring up their fifty partnership in no time. Wyatt looks right at home in the Test arena and Beaumont continues to go from strength to strength as she gets to the pitch of the ball before threading it through the gap at extra cover for another boundary.

Some more poor fielding as England grab another single and captain Healy is noticeably frustrated behind the stumps.

Nine off the over and England trail by under 100 now.

England 367-4 (98), Wyatt 29, Beaumont 172, Gardner 3-89 (23) (trail by 106)

14:36 , Ben Fleming

A couple more singles from Gardner’s over and this partnership is moving along very nicely now. A few signs in the field that Australia may be looking to take the new ball shortly with their fast bowlers warming up on the boundary ropes.

England 365-4 (97), Wyatt 28, Beaumont 171, Jonassen 0-15 (4) (trail by 108)

14:34 , Ben Fleming

Danni Wyatt is on the charge now as she comes down the ground and whacks Jonassen down the ground for four. It’s poor fielding the next ball as Wyatt pulls it past the fielder on the boundary for back-to-back fours. A couple more singles to bring up a healthy 11 of that over.

England 354-4 (96), Wyatt 19, Beaumont 169, Gardner 3-87 (22) (trail by 119)

14:29 , Ben Fleming

A single off the third ball brings up England’s 350. A long way to go still but a great response so far from the home side.

Wyatt shows her white-ball prowess with a lovely premeditated scoop which races towards fine leg for four runs. Great shot.

England 349-4 (95), Wyatt 15, Beaumont 168, Jonassen 0-4 (3) (trail by 124)

14:26 , Ben Fleming

King makes way with the left-arm spin of Jess Jonassen replacing her. Sophie Ecclestone bowled superbly yesterday with a similar action and the Aussies will be hoping for Jonassen to do the same.

It’s a tidy over with just the one run coming off it. Beaumont moves to 168 which is now the highest score from an opener against Australia in Test matches.

England 348-4 (94), Wyatt 15, Beaumont 167, Gardner 3-82 (21) (trail by 125)

14:22 , Ben Fleming

A well-timed sweep from Wyatt brings a single out to deep square-leg. Gardner and King are attacking well with the spin but England respond well as Beaumont advances down the ground and finds a single to end the 94th over.

England 346-4 (93), Wyatt 14, Beaumont 166, King 0-61 (15) (trail by 127)

14:19 , Ben Fleming

Wyatt has quickly moved onto 14 off as many balls and grabs another with a single off the last ball of King’s 15th over. England closing in on 350.

England 344-4 (92), Wyatt 13, Beaumont 165, Gardner 3-80 (20) (trail by 129)

14:17 , Ben Fleming

Beaumont gets herself caught in no man’s land as she looks to come down the pitch to Gardner. She gets away with it, though, and is able to guide the ball down for a single. Wyatt also plays a somewhat risky shot through the slip region but it passes by the Aussies and runs away for four.

Some overthrows off the last gifts England another two - seven off the over.

England 335-4 (91), Wyatt 7, Beaumont 162, King 0-59 (14) (trail by 139)

14:13 , Ben Fleming

Australia persisting with their spinners despite having the new ball available to them. England nudge the ball around for a trio of singles off King as they look to rebuild and form another big partnership.

England 332-4 (90), Wyatt 6, Beaumont 160, Gardner 3-71 (19) (trail by 141)

14:09 , Ben Fleming

Some nice fielding by the Aussies at cover and short fine-leg to prevent boundaries for Wyatt and Beaumont. Two off the over.

England 330-4 (89), Wyatt 5, Beaumont 159, King 0-56 (13) (trail by 143)

14:07 , Ben Fleming

Wyatt is up and running in Test cricket and it’s a lovely push through the covers for a boundary. She’s a confident player of spin and it’s a positive start from the experienced limited-overs batter.

England 324-4 (88), Wyatt 0, Beaumont 158, Gardner 3-69 (18) (trail by 149)

14:03 , Ben Fleming

A confident response from Beaumont who picks the gap nicely in the off side to bring up another four. A single off the last ball brings Australia’s lead inside 150.

England 319-4 (87), Wyatt 0, Beaumont 153, King 0-50 (12) (trail by 154)

13:59 , Ben Fleming

NOT OUT! A huge moment in this game as Beaumont is given out LBW off the bowling off King trying to sweep. She reviews immediately and survives by the skin of her teeth as the ball just pitches outside leg stump. A huge let-off for England and their set batter.

England 318-4 (86), Wyatt 0, Beaumont 152, Gardner 3-64 (17) (trail by 155)

13:56 , Ben Fleming

Dani Wyatt comes to the crease for her Test debut. She made her England debut 13 years ago but it’s the first time she has been selected in the longest format.

She comes in at a crucial time for England but like Dunkley before her, will no doubt look to be aggressive. She blocks her first ball and it’s a great over from Gardner - just one run from it.

WICKET! Dunkley 9, b Gardner (England 318-4)

13:53 , Ben Fleming

A much-needed wicket for Australia soon after lunch as Dunkley departs. She is a naturally aggressive player and was clearly looking to get going but there’s turn for Gardner and Dunkley is beaten as she looks to hit big. England four down now and trail by 155.

England 317-3 (85), Dunkley 9, Beaumont 151, King 0-49 (11) (trail by 156)

13:50 , Ben Fleming

King resumes, as expected, at the other end but she’s under pressure immediately as Beaumont shows superb hands to carve a full-pitched delivery past extra cover to the boundary.

A couple of balls later she sweeps to fine leg to bring up her 150! A superb knock from Beaumont who will now look towards a famous double hundred as England hunt down Australia’s lead.

A couple more singles off the final few balls as England take seven runs from that over

England 310-3 (84), Dunkley 8, Beaumont 145, Gardner 2-63 (16) (trail by 163)

13:46 , Ben Fleming

A solid start from England in the first over after lunch as Dunkley and Beaumont find singles of the first and last ball of Gardner’s 16th over.

Afternoon session is upon us (Eng 308-3)

13:43 , Ben Fleming

The players are making their way onto the field for this vital second session of day three. England sit in a great position but there is still plenty of work to do to get up to Australia’s total and those Aussie bowlers will know if they can prize a couple more wickets then they can really look to press home an advantage heading into their second innings.

LUNCH: England 308-3 (83), Dunkley 7 Beaumont 144 (trail by 165)

13:24 , Ben Fleming

Here is a look at how England’s only wicket of the day came about, with Nat Sciver-Brunt departing for 78:

LUNCH: England 308-3 (83), Dunkley 7 Beaumont 144 (trail by 165)

13:11 , Ben Fleming

Another great session for England as they continue their quest to create parity with Australia in this Test match. Beaumont and Sciver-Brunt started fantastically as they motored along at over four runs and over. Sciver-Brunt brought up her half-century but couldn’t quite capitalise to find three figures as she fell off the bowling off Gardner for 78.

It was a good fightback for Australia towards the end of the session with Gardner, McGrath and King bowling tight lines to Beaumont and new batter, Dunkley, but England see it through to lunch and will now hope to press on and build another partnership in the afternoon session.

Australia can take the new ball but with plenty of spin on show from King in that last over before lunch, you suspect they may well continue with the old ball on this flat pitch.

LUNCH: England 308-3 (83), Dunkley 7 Beaumont 144, King 0-42 (10) (trail by 165)

13:05 , Ben Fleming

King bowls the last over and almost catches Dunkley out with an absolute ripper, which turns a mile off the surface and ends up being caught by first slip. There’s a stunned look on Dunkley’s and King’s faces but the England batter survives!

It’s a single off the last ball as Dunkley gets it past King down the ground and England will head into lunch after an extremely positive morning session.

90 runs and just the one wicket lost. They trail Australia by 165 runs now.

England 307-3 (82), Dunkley 6, Beaumont 144, Gardner 2-61 (15) (trail by 166)

13:01 , Ben Fleming

Australia have the option to take the new ball but Gardner will continue with the old one for now. Dunkley plays it out well - stealing a single off the last - and we’ll probably have one more before lunch.

England 306-3 (81), Dunkley 5, Beaumont 144, King 0-41 (9) (trail by 167)

12:58 , Ben Fleming

Spin at both ends for Australia as Alana King comes into the attack for McGrath. Some definite signs of spin but no fear from England as Beaumont gets down on one knee and laps the leg-spinner towards fine leg for a couple of runs.

And it’s even better to end the over as she sweeps King behind square and beyond fine leg for four runs.

England 300-3 (80), Dunkley 5, Beaumont 138, Gardner 2-60 (14) (trail by 173)

12:54 , Ben Fleming

A single of the first ball of Gardner’s 14th over brings up 300 for England. It’s their slowest of the three so far this came but another vital step towards closing that deficit on Australia’s first-innings score of 473.

England 299-3 (79), Dunkley 5, Beaumont 137, McGrath 0-13 (7) (trail by 174)

12:51 , Ben Fleming

Just the one run off the 79th over as Australia move within one of the new ball.

England 298-3 (78), Dunkley 5, Beaumont 136, Gardner 2-59 (13) (trail by 175)

12:48 , Ben Fleming

Dunkley now using her feet to Gardner as she finds a single with a well-timed shot down to mid-off.

Four singles off the over as England look to build again following that wicket of Nat Sciver-Brunt.

England 294-3 (77), Dunkley 3, Beaumont 134, McGrath 0-12 (6) (trail by 179)

12:45 , Ben Fleming

Dunkley looks a bit more comfortable at the crease after her first run and she adds another two to her total, flicking into the leg side.

England closing in on 300 here as approach lunch.

England 291-3 (76), Dunkley 1, Beaumont 133, Gardner 2-55 (12) (trail by 182)

12:41 , Ben Fleming

You can sense the frustration from Sophia Dunkley who wants to get her innings up and running but it’s canny bowling from McGrath and Gardner to keep her under pressure.

The spinner switches sides for the last ball, though, and Dunkley has the chance to flick that one off the pads and get off the mark with the only run of the over off the last ball.

England 290-3 (75), Dunkley 0, Beaumont 133, McGrath 0-9 (5) (trail by 183)

12:38 , Ben Fleming

A good period of pressure for Australia following that Sciver-Brunt wicket and it’s a maiden over for McGrath.

England 290-3 (74), Dunkley 0, Beaumont 133, Gardner 2-54 (11) (trail by 183)

12:35 , Ben Fleming

Gardner bowling a really enticing line outside off stump to Dunkley who is beaten three times in a row. Ecclestone bowled a hell of a lot of overs yesterday and Gardner will no doubt have to play a similar role for Australia today.

Just one off the over.

England 289-3 (73), Dunkley 0, Beaumont 132, McGrath 0-9 (4) (trail by 184)

12:32 , Ben Fleming

Dunkley has largely found success opening the batting in T20 internationals with her renowned aggressive style. She’s playing herself in nicely as McGrath targets the stumps but one suspects she’ll be keen to get her innings moving sooner rather than later.

One run off the over.

England 288-3 (72), Dunkley 0, Beaumont 131, Gardner 2-53 (10) (trail by 185)

12:29 , Ben Fleming

Dunkley is the new batter as she sees out her first three balls. It’s a wicket maiden for Gardner and the Aussies have a renewed spring in their step with a new batter at the crease.

WICKET! Sciver-Brunt 78, c Healy b Gardner (England 288-3)

12:27 , Ben Fleming

A big breakthrough for Australia as they get their first wicket of the day. Nat Sciver-Brunt was cruising along but she catches a small bottom edge off Ash Gardner as she looks to cut a short ball and Healy makes no mistake behind the stumps.

Disappointing for her to miss out on an opportunity to bring up a Test century but a great innings regardless.

England 288-2 (71), Sciver-Brunt 78, Beaumont 131, McGrath 0-8 (3) (trail by 185)

12:23 , Ben Fleming

McGrath has been tidy since coming into the attack today. England are cruising along at over four runs an over but they’ve got just eight runs from her first three overs. It’s one run this time as England cut the deficit to 185 runs.

England 287-2 (70), Sciver-Brunt 77, Beaumont 131, Gardner 1-53 (9) (trail by 186)

12:19 , Ben Fleming

For the first time today, Australia turn to spin as Ash Gardner replaces Sutherland. England attacked well against her yesterday evening and they continue in that vein today. A couple of singles before Beaumont skips down the track to the last ball of the day and pierces it through the covers for four.

England 281-2 (69), Sciver-Brunt 76, Beaumont 126, McGrath 0-7 (2) (trail by 192)

12:15 , Ben Fleming

Beaumont with a single before Sciver-Brunt finds a couple of twos with some nice flicks off her pads into the leg side. Another five off the over for England.

England 276-2 (68), Sciver-Brunt 72, Beaumont 125, Sutherland 1-51 (11) (trail by 197)

12:12 , Ben Fleming

A couple of runs to start the over before Sutherland beats the outside edge of Beaumont with a good-length delivery. Still very little movement for the Aussies but they’ll have to keep plugging away and bowling good lines if they are to force an error from one of these set batters.

England 273-2 (67), Sciver-Brunt 71, Beaumont 125, McGrath 0-2 (1) (trail by 200)

12:03 , Ben Fleming

Tahlia McGrath is Australia’s eighth bowler into the attack as they continue to search for a breakthrough. Beaumont pulls one well into the leg side for a couple before there are half-hearted appeals for LBW as one flicks the England batter’s pads. It’s sliding comfortably down leg, though, and nothing is forthcoming.

Another single to end the over means Australia’s lead sits at 200 now. It’s time for drinks and you’d have to say that the first hour has gone entirely England’s way - 55 runs, no wickets and these two look set to push on further before lunch.

England 270-2 (66), Sciver-Brunt 71, Beaumont 122, Sutherland 1-49 (10) (trail by 203)

11:58 , Ben Fleming

Another four runs off the over and England continue to tick over fantastically from the overnight score. Sutherland rolls her fingers down the ball for the fifth delivery of the day and nearly catches out Beaumont with the lack of pace as she looks to drive.

The Aussies will need to get creative if they are to get some rewards from this pitch.

England 266-2 (65), Sciver-Brunt 69, Beaumont 120, Garth 0-50 (20) (trail by 207)

11:53 , Ben Fleming

Garth has found her length better than both Sutherland and Brown have managed at the other end and has restricted England well. Just a couple of singles from the 65th over.

England 264-2 (64), Sciver-Brunt 68, Beaumont 119, Sutherland 1-45 (9) (trail by 209)

11:50 , Ben Fleming

Sciver-Brunt only just brought up her half-century four overs ago but she’s already closing in on 70 after she finds the boundary rope three times off that Sutherland over. The Aussie quick struggled to find her length and line and Sciver-Brunt takes full advantage, clipping two into the leg-side and crunching one through cover point.

England 251-2 (63), Sciver-Brunt 56, Beaumont 118, Garth 0-50 (19) (trail by 222)

11:45 , Ben Fleming

The first real hint of movement off the pitch from Garth as she beats the outside edge of Sciver-Brunt with an out-swinging delivery. Perhaps some signs of positivity for Australia but England see out the over with another run on the scoreboard bringing up the 100-run partnership between these too.

England 250-2 (62), Sciver-Brunt 56, Beaumont 117, Sutherland 1-32 (8) (trail by 223)

11:41 , Ben Fleming

Annabel Sutherland comes into attack in the place of Brown. You wonder how long it will take for Australia to turn to their spin bowling options but for now, it’s more pace.

Four runs come off that over as England bring up their 250,

England 246-2 (61), Sciver-Brunt 55, Beaumont 114, Garth 0-49 (18) (trail by 227)

11:36 , Ben Fleming

Another couple off the over and it looks like Australia will make a change in the bowling.

England 244-2 (60), Sciver-Brunt 54, Beaumont 114, Brown 0-59 (12) (trail by 228)

11:32 , Ben Fleming

It’s been a near-perfect start for England this morning and the first milestone comes up as Sciver-Brunt drives through third man for four to bring up her fifty - her third half-century in nine tests. She’s batted brilliantly so far but the task now will be to cash in on this flat pitch as she and Beaumont continue to plug away at Australia’s first-innings score.

A couple more singles from each batter to end the over and it’s another productive one for England.

England 238-2 (59), Sciver-Brunt 49, Beaumont 112, Garth 0-47 (17) (trail by 235)

11:27 , Ben Fleming

A back-foot punch through the covers adds another couple to Sciver-Brunt’s score before a quick single off Garth’s last ball moves her up to 49 and just one off her half-century.

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