Lucknow:Australia's Annabel Sutherland is emerging as one of the most promising all-rounders in women's cricket. Currently representing the Delhi Capitals in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), Sutherland shares her insights on being part of a team that has reached the play-offs for three consecutive years.

“It’s a privilege to play for a team like Delhi Capitals, which has enjoyed considerable success over the past few years,” Sutherland remarked to HT. “Our squad is filled with a wealth of experience. I take great pleasure in playing for Delhi and am gaining invaluable knowledge throughout this journey.”

The past year has been pivotal for Sutherland’s growth, as she has had the chance to bat higher in the order for Australia and play a crucial role in their successful multi-format Ashes campaign. She made history by becoming the first woman to score a century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and is only the third Australian female cricketer to achieve three Test centuries in just six matches.

Sutherland also made headlines as the first woman in Test cricket to score 150 or more runs in consecutive innings, accomplishing this with her 163 at the MCG, following her remarkable 210 at the WACA last year.

While Test cricket is where she truly excels, she is also a formidable competitor in white-ball formats. In the third ODI against India in Perth, she achieved her career-best score of 110 and was named player of the series for amassing 122 runs and taking 6 wickets across three matches.

“It was great to have the opportunity to bat at five in the one-day and T20 formats. It was capped off by a fantastic Test series where we finished 16-0 against England in the Ashes.”

Adapting to various formats and conditions is one of the unique challenges of cricket, a challenge that Sutherland appears to embrace as one of the most discussed all-rounders in the game.

“It’s an exciting challenge within the sport. It’s quite unique to be able to switch formats so rapidly,” she observes, referring to the swift transitions experienced during the Ashes series.

With only one group stage match left against the Gujarat Giants, Sutherland is eager to perform well in Lucknow or during the playoffs in Mumbai. The 23-year-old has been making significant contributions on the field, including a remarkable catch that led to the dismissal of Mumbai Indians batter Amelia Kerr in Bengaluru.

In terms of bowling, she has taken 8 wickets in 7 matches. However, as a lower-middle order batsman in a strong batting lineup, Sutherland aims to enhance her impact with the bat, having accumulated 79 runs in those 7 matches.

“I believe I am fulfilling my role with the ball, although I have not scored as many runs as I would prefer. Nonetheless, I am striking the ball well,” she stated. “I feel that a big score is just around the corner, and I hope to contribute to a victory with my batting.”

Sutherland’s ascent has led to comparisons with Australian cricket legend Ellyse Perry. At 34, Perry continues to excel, and many perceive that the legacy of outstanding all-rounders is transitioning from Perry to Sutherland. However, Sutherland prefers to focus on the opportunity to learn from Perry directly rather than on the comparisons.

“I do not dwell on the comparisons; that is for others to discuss,” she remarked. “I have admired Pez since I began playing cricket. She has been an extraordinary role model, not just in Australian cricket but for female athletes globally.”

“What excites me is the chance to play alongside her and observe her approach to the game. She is one of the hardest workers I have encountered, which undoubtedly contributes to her success.”

Sutherland’s preparation strategy is both systematic and forward-looking. “I invest a significant amount of effort during the pre-season to ensure I am ready, especially considering the packed cricket calendar. There are limited opportunities to refine my skills once the season is underway.”

The experience she has gained through franchise cricket in various conditions, such as The Hundred, has been invaluable.

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