Nat Sciver scored a career best 169* in Test matches to give England the advantage against South Africa.
After South Africa posted 284, England’s reply was unconvincing. It became more convincing once Nat and Alice Davidson-Richards (107) began the recovery
After jitters while in her 20s, measured control became Nat’s watch words. She reached her third Test half-century off 110 balls to take England pass the follow on.
Together with Davidson-Richards, Nat added 207 for the sixth wicket. In turn, the pair shortened the odds on England taking a first-innings lead.
In reaching her maiden Test century, Nat completed consecutive scores of 100 plus runs for England – previously, she scored a memorable 148* in the World Cup final.
After passing three figures, Nat’s innings took a more expansive turn. With each run she moved ever upwards on the list of highest scores made England batters in Women’s Tests.
It was a declaration not the South African bowlers who called a halt to Nat.
Finishing on 169* (21 fours) off 263 balls, Nat’s innings lifted her to fourth on the highest scorers list.
Nat left the field with England on 417-8, giving the home side a 133 run lead on first innings.
(Phoenix Media Image Created from a Photo by Pat Elmont – ECB ECB via Getty Images)