England’s Tammy Beaumont calls for patient approach against Australia

Tammy Beaumont feels England must learn to be patient while also making the most of scoring chances in the inaugural day-night Ashes Test against Australia.

Beaumont hit a maiden half-century and captain Heather Knight contributed 62 to help England’s women reach 235 for seven after the hosts had produced a late recovery with the pink ball under the lights at the North Sydney Oval.

It was a first Test match for both countries since their 2015 encounter at Canterbury, where England received criticism for what was seen by some as defensive batting in the 161-run defeat.

Beaumont, though, feels England can grow into the Test format, having earlier this year won the World Cup on home soil.

“I really had to learn a lot from the practice match we had this week,” Beaumont told reporters in Sydney after her knock of 70 helped produce a recovery alongside Knight in a second-wicket partnership of 104.

“I found myself almost wanting to get on with it and almost thinking I was doing the wrong thing.

“It is obviously about occupying the crease for a larger length of time.

“It is a difficult change, we only play it once every two years and would all like to play more Test matches to get used to it, but you can take how you play in the ODI’s, just with a little less risk.

“Today it felt like you had to sit in and then commit to your scoring options.”

Beaumont added: “A lot has been said about our last Test match in England at Canterbury, which wasn’t good for women’s cricket, but hopefully we are here to play the right type of Test cricket and hopefully get more in the future.”

England, who won the toss and decided to bat, went into the final session at 157 for three.

However, once Knight was trapped leg before by Jess Jonassen, Australia – leading the multi-format points-based series 4-2 and set to retain the Ashes if they win in Sydney – went on to claim key late wickets.

They included that of danger-woman Sarah Taylor, who was somewhat fortunately caught and bowled by Ellyse Perry for 29.

Beaumont, though, hopes the tail can help push the tourists on past 300.

“It has been a good contest, at dinner time we were probably in a good position, but Australia fought back in that last session and it is quiet evenly poised,” she said. “Hopefully we can get a few more runs tomorrow, then start well with the ball.

“First-innings runs would certainly pile on the pressure, particularly if the pitch does deteriorate.”