Dominant Australia shatter records in historic Perth Test

Australia v South Africa, Only Test, Scorecard

Despite fighting knocks from Delmi Tucker and Chloe Tryon in South Africa's second innings, Australia went on to secure a massive win in Perth, by a margin of an innings and 284 runs. This was Australia's largest victory by the margin of innings, overcoming their previous best of innings and 140 runs against England in 2001. This was also the second-biggest win by the margin of an innings.

Having already won the ODI and T20I legs 2-1 each, Australia took the multi-format series by the margin of 12-4 points after the Test win.

Healy won the toss and elected to field in searing hot conditions at the WACA, Perth. Rising fast bowling star Darcie Brown ran through the Proteas batting lineup and restricted them to 76 all out with her maiden five-wicket haul. This was South Africa Women’s lowest-ever total in Test cricket.

After suffering early stutters against Masabata Klaas, Australia took control of their batting innings with brilliant fifties from Beth Mooney (78) and Alyssa Healy (99). However, it was Annabel Sutherland’s brilliant maiden double ton which helped the hosts press their advantage even further.

Sutherland was the ninth double centurion in the women’s Tests and the fifth player for Australia to get to the milestone.

Sutherland reached her landmark double ton off just 248 balls, making it the fastest double century in women's Tests; the previous best being Karen Rolton's off 306 balls. She also became the youngest Australian woman to score a double hundred.

Sutherland was eventually dismissed on 210, a tremendous knock that included 27 fours and two sixes.

Australia ended up declaring on 575/9 – the highest total in women's Tests, breaking their own record set in 1998.

Australia skipper Alyssa Healy was proud of her side's effort,

"I'm very proud. It's been an amazing series," Healy said after the Test. "The white-ball series was really hard fought at times, and we were really tested. But the way we continued to bounce back right throughout was really impressive, and to come here to the WACA and finish like we did really caps off the Australian summer for us which is cool."