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All-round Sutherland exhibits endurance and skill through long shifts at the WACA

Annabel Sutherland insists she is not that fussed about looking at stats. If she did then Sutherland would see some pretty gaudy numbers next to her name.

After just 10 Test innings, Sutherland boasts a remarkable batting average of 89.37. She already has four centuries, the most by an Australian. She is only one away from equalling the record set by Janette Brittin, who is the all-time leading scorer in women's Tests with 1935 runs.

With momentum starting to build for women's Test cricket - despite a one-off Test planned for Australia's upcoming tour of the West Indies being scrapped - they are landmarks that appear set for the taking for Sutherland.

Her Test cricket mastery continued after she hit a third straight ton in the format, with a 171-ball 129 putting Australia on the brink of a big victory in the day-night Test against India at the WACA ground.

"I think it just goes to show how much I love playing Test cricket," Sutherland told reporters. "We don't get to do it very often and I just love being out there."

Sutherland came to the crease late on day one in tough conditions under lights with Australia wobbling at 58 for 3 against a pumped-up new India attack conjuring prodigious seam movement. Stout defence mixed with putting away the bad ball, she calmly batted through to stumps before cashing in under the fierce sun on day two to produce a century that seemed almost assured from the moment she walked to the crease.

While batting was easier in the daytime, none of the batters other than Ellyse Perry looked comfortable with Sutherland just a notch above the rest on a ground where she hit a double-century against South Africa two years ago.

"I just really enjoy batting and there's plenty of time to bat," Sutherland said when asked why she is so adept at the format. "Technically and the patience side of things probably suits my game.

"I think something I've always had growing up...just being able to switch on and off and make the right decisions."

What has been even more astounding is that Sutherland, 24, has been just as good with the ball after being Australia's standout with match figures of 6 for 61 off 23 overs so far. She was unplayable for long stretches in India's first innings as she hooped the ball around to finish with 4 for 46 off 17 overs - her best Test figures. She could have even ended up with more if not for four dropped catches coming off her bowling.

Sutherland backed up again in India's second innings with the big wickets of Jemimah Rodrigues - albeit rather gifted through a reckless scoop - and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur.

It has been a herculean effort from Sutherland, who has summoned supreme fitness and resilience to push through oppressive weather hovering around 40 degrees Celsius across the first two days.

"I'm pretty used to the workload," she said. "That's what we do the training for...to be ready for a Test match like this. Test matches don't come around too often.

"I love being able to contribute with both [bat and ball]. Days like today and yesterday are pretty rare."

Sutherland's all-round prowess has placed Australia in a near impregnable position as they eye a crushing victory and a decisive 12-4 triumph in the multi-format series. With India limping to stumps at 105 for 6, still needing 20 runs to make Australia bat again, there is the prospect that retiring skipper Alyssa Healy may not get to bat for one last time in her legendary international career.

If Australia only require a very small chase, could Healy - who batted at No. 4 in the first innings - be elevated up the order?

"I'm probably the wrong person to ask, but I'm sure a few will be encouraging her," Sutherland said. "She's [Healy] been great energy and her cheeky self, which is awesome. I think it will be really nice to send her off on a good note."

India's hopes of drawing the series appear forlorn as they desperately try to build some type of lead that might be defendable if they can stretch the game into the night session on day three.

"The wicket is doing a bit and the pink ball is helping the bowlers," India debutant Sayali Satghare said, who impressed with 4 for 50 off 18.4 overs in Australia's first innings. "I think maybe around 150-200 [run lead] will be good. We can make a match out of that."