Sophie keeps the dream alive

SOPHIE ECCLESTONE took two wickets on her Test debut as England’s bowlers frustrated Australia for long periods in Sydney. The left-arm spinner, 18, dismissed Beth Mooney and Alex Blackwell on day two of the day-night Ashes Test. Australia reached the close on 177 for five, 103 behind, largely thanks to an unbeaten 70 by Ellyse Perry. Ecclestone’s teammate Georgia Elwiss hailed her performance. ‘Sophie’s not fazed by anything,’ she said. ‘She’s a real find for us. She’ll keep learning, she’s been a quick learner this tour and she’s bowled beautifully today. ‘If she can come back tomorrow and do the same we’ll be very happy.’