Tammy Beaumont made English cricketing history on Saturday as she became the first England women's player to score a double-century.
Australia had left England with the task of replying to their mammoth 473 all out at Trent Bridge, but opener Beaumont led the hosts' charge on Friday by reaching triple figures.
However, as the day progressed on Saturday, the 32-year-old had history in her sights, with Betty Snowball's long-standing record of 189 from 1935 coming under threat.
During the afternoon session on day three, Beaumont cut the ball to the boundary to advance to 192, receiving a standing ovation for her efforts as the crowd showed their appreciation for the magnitude of her achievement.
Beaumont was then able to move into the 200s before a 331-ball innings was brought to an end for 208, with Beaumont fittingly being the last player out.
As many as 27 fours were recorded during the classic knock and it took England to 463, just 10 runs shy of Australia who proceeded to make a rapid 82-0 from 19 overs before the close.
In esteemed company. 💪 pic.twitter.com/vsKpO544Yi
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 24, 2023
Beaumont insisted that she was not aware of the milestones that she was setting, telling TMS: "I wasn't aware of that milestone, that's why I didn't want to celebrate it and we still needed runs. It's a great accolade to have but for me it was about getting as close to the Aussies score as possible.
"Tahlia McGrath played well. Especially that spell after tea and got the ball moving around a bit and you can't complain too much and it was pretty close on the turn of innings.
"I had a lot of help from the skipper, Heather Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt. They have known me for so long and know when I need a kick up the bum and keep going.
"The team always scores quickly when Scriver-Brunt is at the crease and Danni Wyatt, we could have taken the game away from Australians. It's always nice to bat with your best mates."
Beaumont was fortunate to remain at the crease when on 61 after Australia failed to review a catch, while Beaumont overturned an LBW decision having reached 152.
Darren Plant
