The England women's cricket team got off to a flying start in the historic Test after winning the toss and electing to bat first. Drama unfolded as early as the second ball of the Test when Marizanne Kapp trapped Tammy Beaumont plumb lbw. However, the umpire's finger stayed down, and South Africa could not review the decision as Cricket South Africa opted not to invest in the DRS system for the Test. Replays clearly showed that Beaumont would have been sent packing if the Proteas had the option to review. Beaumont went on to score 21 runs.

Tammy Beaumont (left) and Marizanne Kapp (right) - Morgan Piek

The Lionesses declared their innings in the late afternoon at 395/9, following two outstanding centuries by debutant Maia Bouchier and the experienced all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt.

Bouchier recorded her maiden Test century, becoming the first player to score a ton in a women's Test in Bloemfontein. She faced 154 balls, striking 22 fours, and scored 126 before being dismissed by spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba.

Sciver-Brunt, in turn, broke the world record for the fastest-ever century in women's Test cricket, reaching triple figures in just 96 balls. This marked her second career century, the first being an unbeaten 169 against South Africa in Taunton in 2022. Sciver-Brunt hit 16 fours before being run out for 128 by Mlaba.

At tea, England was in a commanding position at 292/3 in 60 overs. However, South Africa began to fight back with the ball in hand, restricting England to a further 103 runs off 32 overs for six wickets before captain Heather Knight declared the innings.

Nat Sciver-Brunt - Morgan Piek

Mlaba was the standout bowler for South Africa, taking 4/90 in 20 overs. Seamer Ayanda Hlubi contributed with figures of 2/40 in 12 overs, while Kapp and Suné Luus each claimed a wicket.

The Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch had to navigate a tricky six-over period before stumps were called. When the umpires ended play for the day, South Africa was on 17/0, with Wolvaardt unbeaten on 8* and Bosch on 6*.

South Africa will resume their first innings on Monday morning, with play scheduled to start at 10:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport