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[Watch] Megan Schutt Denied Perfect Start In Women's Ashes After 'Razor-Thin' Error

Soumyajit Dutta∙ Updated: Jan 12 2025, 10:45 AM

Maia Bouchier gets a lifeline from Megan Schutt's no-ball delivery [Source: @cricketcomau/X.com]Maia Bouchier gets a lifeline from Megan Schutt's no-ball delivery [Source: @cricketcomau/X.com]

The Women's Ashes series has begun in full fledge at the North Sydney Oval between England Women and Australia Women and the drama also unfolded from the very first over of the game. In a dramatic moment, Megan Schutt's dream dismissal was denied by the umpires as Maia Bouchier was gifted a lifeline from the former's error.

The incident unfolded in the second ball when Maia Bouchier played an angling inside ball back onto her stumps. Schutt and the Australian team erupted in celebration as the bails were knocked over, and it was apparently a dream breakthrough.

Bouchier Gets a Crucial Lifeline

However, the on-field umpires referred to the TV umpire to check for overstepping. To the dismay of Megan Schutt and her teammates, replays revealed that her front foot had marginally overstepped the popping crease. The no-ball call nullified the dismissal, leaving the Australian players visibly frustrated as their early celebrations turned out to be premature.

The decision proved pivotal, though Bouchier could not capitalize on her reprieve, falling shortly after for 9 off 15 balls, caught by Alyssa Healy off Kim Garth.

England Racks Up Shaky Total Against Australia

Sent to bat first, England’s batting lineup produced a mixed performance, folding for 204 in 43.1 overs. Tammy Beaumont and Maia Bouchier provided a cautious start before falling for 13 and 9, respectively. Skipper Heather Knight anchored the innings with a steady 39 off 48 balls, supported by Danielle Wyatt’s 38 off 52. Lower-order contributions from Sophie Ecclestone (16 off 17) and Lauren Filer (8 not out) pushed England past the 200-run mark.

Australia’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings. Ashleigh Gardner was the standout performer with figures of 3-19, while Kim Garth, Annabel Sutherland and Alana King claimed two wickets apiece. Darcie Brown bowled economically, conceding just 21 runs in her seven overs while picking up a wicket.

Despite the early drama, Australia managed to restrict England to a modest total, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting chase for the Healy-led side.