When I ask who’s the greatest ever Australian all-rounder in cricket history, who comes to mind?
For me, it is Annabel Sutherland.
Australian cricket has had its fair share of all-rounders, but Annabel Sutherland has redefined what it means to star with both the bat and ball in the modern game.
At just 23 years old, the Victorian has emerged as a key figure in Australia’s setup, highlighting her ability to turn the outcome of a match with her disciplined bowling and her aggressive stroke play.
Sutherland’s recent performances against England have solidified her status as one of the game’s most promising talents across formats.
Sutherland played well throughout the multiformat Ashes series, but it was not until the only Test that she truly shined.
With Ellyse Perry unable to bat because of a hip injury, Sutherland seized the opportunity to walk out at no.3.
In just her sixth-ever test Sutherland walked into the middle of the MCG and gave a 258-ball masterclass.
Sutherland moved from no.6 in the batting lineup to no.3, but this did not stop her from scoring a whopping 163 runs.
This masterclass means that Sutherland will forever be etched into history as the first woman to score a century at the MCG.
This performance also got her across the line for the Belinda Clarke Medal beating her older more experienced teammates, and past winners Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, and Ash Gardner.
These are just some of the many achievements of Sutherland’s that will be imprinted into cricket history forever.
Annabel Sutherland. (Photo by Morgan Hancock – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)
Her skills with both bat and ball have made people draw comparisons to some of the greats of the game, the most common of these being her teammate Perry.
Perry made her first class appearance at just 16 years old and has always been at the top of her game. She has contributed greatly to major milestones in women’s cricket and broken records with both bat and ball.
Perry’s legacy remains untouched for now but with Sutherlands continued dominance it is only time she begins to catch up.
Sutherland has already beaten Perry’s record of the most international test centuries scored with three to her name.
One of these test centuries came in 2024 when she scored 210 runs off just 256 deliveries, making it the fastest double century in women’s Test history.
Sutherland’s bowling is also nothing short of excellent as her versatile nature allows her to break partnerships and change the game in an instant.
As a fast-medium bowler Sutherland brings pace, accuracy, and tactical intelligence to the game, making her the go-to girl to get crucial wickets.
In 2024 Sutherland played 33 games across the three formats and came away with 34 wickets with an economy of 20.82.
Sutherland’s impact on Australian cricket is undeniable. With her fearless batting, game-changing bowling, and a knack for delivering in crucial moments, she has already earned her spot amongst the greats of the sport.
At just 23, the best is yet to come.
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