Brown’s Maiden Five-Wicket Haul Propels Australia to Dominance in Historic Perth Test
Australia vs South Africa, Only Test, WACA, Perth
In a commanding display, Australia bowled out South Africa for a mere 76 in the first innings, establishing a significant lead by the close of the day. The star of the show was fast bowler Darcie Brown, who achieved her first five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Brown, a featured player in the ‘ICC 100% Cricket Superstars’ series, demonstrated exceptional form, consistently striking against the South African top, middle, and lower-order batters.
Australia’s lead was further bolstered by Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healy, who helped the team recover from early setbacks. Healy was the highest scorer of the day, falling just one run short of a potential maiden Test century. By the end of the day’s play, Australia had established a substantial lead of 175 runs.
Before the one-off Test match against South Africa, learn more about Australia’s fiery quick and 100% Cricket Superstar, Darcie Brown.
After winning the toss, Australia’s captain Alyssa Healy chose to field first. Brown set the tone early, dismissing the South African openers within the first 19 balls. Brown’s precise bouncer took out Anneke Bosch (0) in her first over, and South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt was soon caught in the slips.
Aside from Sune Luus’ resistance, the rest of the South African batting line-up crumbled. Brown, the chief destroyer, exploited the pitch conditions to her advantage, using her pace and movement to devastating effect. She returned career-best figures of 5/21, as South Africa were bowled out for their lowest-ever total in Women’s Tests.
Brown discussed her journey to becoming a pace bowler during a 100% Cricket Superstars’ shoot. She said, “I was quite an angry character when I was a younger girl, with two older brothers, who’d sort of gang up on me. So I’d kind of get mad and bowl as quick as I could sort of to fit in.”
She added, “I probably wouldn’t be playing cricket if I was a spinner, I wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much.”
Despite being only 20, Brown has already played a significant role in Australia’s triumphs in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022, and ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023. Her success at such a young age is a testament to her rigorous cricket training, which has also presented its share of challenges.
Brown faced a significant challenge when a hamstring injury forced her out of the ODI series against West Indies in October last year. However, she managed to find a silver lining in the setback, stating, “Probably the main one [challenge] was my left hamstring injury, trying to come back from that. But it was a blessing in disguise being at home, and I got some time in the gym, and there were some pretty long days, but at the end of the day, I’ve come back better and stronger.”
Despite the pressures of playing in a highly competitive environment, Brown has thrived in the Australian team, attributing her success to the support of her teammates. She said, “Being a young player in the Australian cricket team, and being so successful for so long, there’s always doubt I think. But the team is really good at making you feel welcome and that you belong.”
Darcie Brown, Australia’s young pace bowler, is a hugely popular member of the squad at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023.