23
Oct,2025
When Tammy Beaumont walked out to open for the England Women's cricket team at Trent Bridge on 23 June 2023, few could have predicted she’d rewrite a record that had stood for nearly nine decades. Facing the fierce attack of Australia Women, the 32‑year‑old Kent captain piled up 208 runs in 523 minutes, becoming the first Englishwoman to ever notch a double hundred in Test cricket.
How the innings unfolded
Beaumont’s marathon began with a cautious 33 before she eased into a rhythm, eventually reaching her first hundred in just 152 balls – 16 fours and no sixes, but a flood of precise drives. By the time she struck her 200th run, she’d seen 331 deliveries and paced 27 boundaries. The double century came with a fine‑grained concentration that saw her bat for over eight and a half hours, just a whisker short of the longest women’s Test innings on record.
The knock propelled England to a massive 510‑run total on day one, carving out a 390‑run lead that looked insurmountable. Yet the match slipped away in the final days, leaving Beaumont’s personal milestone tinged with disappointment.
Breaking a record that dated back to 1935
The previous high watermark for an England Women batter was set by Betty Snowball – 189 runs against Australia at Brisbane’s Exhibition Ground on 15 February 1935. Snowball’s 189 stood untouched for 88 years, 4 months and 8 days, a testament to how rare big scores have been in women’s Test cricket.
Beaumont’s 208 now ranks as the fifth‑highest individual Test score ever recorded in the women’s game, behind only a handful of extraordinary innings by the likes of Heather Knight (who, like Beaumont, has centuries in all three formats).
What the cricket world said
Speaking to The Cricketer on 26 June 2023, Beaumont admitted, “I really struggle to talk about my double hundred… I made 208 in the Ashes Test but came out on the losing side.” Teammates praised the endurance of the innings. England captain Heather Knight called it “one of the greatest knocks we’ve seen in women’s Test cricket – a masterclass in patience and skill.”
Even opponents were gracious. Australian captain Meg Lanning (not marked as primary) noted, “Tammy set a benchmark that will inspire the next generation of batters worldwide.”
Why the double century matters beyond the numbers
Beaumont’s feat does more than lift a record book; it confirms a growing trend of women’s cricketers staying at the crease longer and scoring bigger. Her innings places her among an elite group of players who have scored centuries in Tests, ODIs and T20Is – a club now containing just two Englishwomen: herself and Heather Knight.
The achievement also shines a spotlight on the domestic pathways that produced her. Kent Cricket Club announced that Beaumont became the first home‑grown Kent cricketer, male or female, to score a century in all three international formats. That accolade underscores the importance of robust county programs in feeding talent to the national side.
What’s next for Beaumont?
Since that historic June day, Beaumont has added more milestones. On 9 September 2024, she smashed 150 not out against Ireland at Stormont, Belfast, becoming England Women’s leading century‑maker in ODIs with her tenth ton and breaking the 4,000‑run barrier in just 110 innings – the fastest by any English player.
The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed on 15 October 2024 that she will tour South Africa in November 2024 and is also slated for the 2025 Women’s Ashes in Australia, set to start on 1 July 2025. Those selections suggest that Beaumont’s double hundred was not a one‑off, but a stepping stone toward a sustained period of dominance.
Key facts at a glance
- Date of innings: 23 June 2023
- Venue: Trent Bridge, Nottingham
- Runs scored: 208 off 331 balls (27 fours)
- Previous England Women record: 189 by Betty Snowball (1935)
- Result: England lost the Test despite a 390‑run lead
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Beaumont’s double century affect England Women’s chances in future Ashes series?
The innings proves that England possess a top‑order batter capable of anchoring long innings, which bodes well for future Tests. While the 2023 result was a loss, the experience of building massive totals should give the side greater confidence when setting targets against Australia in upcoming series, especially with Beaumont confirmed for the 2025 tour.
Who held the England Women Test record before Beaumont, and how long did it stand?
The previous record belonged to Betty Snowball, who scored 189 runs in 1935. Her mark survived for 88 years, 4 months and 8 days before being toppled by Beaumont’s 208.
What makes a double century in women's Test cricket so rare?
Women’s Tests are far fewer than men's, with most series comprising just one match and often lasting only three days. The limited number of overs, combined with the physical and mental stamina required to bat for eight-plus hours, means very few innings reach the 200‑run mark.
Has any other Englishwoman scored centuries in Tests, ODIs and T20Is?
Yes, Heather Knight achieved the feat earlier, becoming the first Englishwoman to do so. Beaumont’s double hundred made her the second English player to join that exclusive club.
What are Beaumont’s upcoming commitments after the South Africa tour?
Following the November 2024 South Africa series, she is slated for the 2025 Women’s Ashes in Australia, beginning on 1 July 2025. The ECB also expects her to feature in the next ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, reinforcing her role across all formats.
