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England avoided the follow-on thanks to a spirited unbeaten
66-run ninth-wicket partnership between Knight and tailender
Sophie Ecclestone at Manuka Oval in Canberra.
They were 235 for eight at stumps in their first innings, 102
runs behind Australia, who earlier declared at 337-9.
Knight's knock impressed Australian pace bowler Ellyse Perry
(2-35).
"That was an incredibly gutsy innings and she very much led from
the front," Perry said.
"I don't think she gave us a chance. Also, Sophie Ecclestone
provided a pretty tough challenge for us.
"It looked like we got a bit weary by the end of the day but all
in all it's been a positive day for us and hopefully after a
good night's sleep we come back and get those two wickets we
need."
Two days remain in the only test of the mixed format series.
Australia lead the series 4-2, and will retain the Ashes if they
win the test. The teams will also play three one-day
internationals.
England had already lost eight wickets when No. 3 Knight brought
up her second test century with a single to cover, raising her
bat in the air in celebration before hugging Eccleston.
Knight mixed judicious defence with a rich display of shotmaking
on both sides of the wicket as she picked off 13 fours and a
six.
But the 31-year-old did not get much support apart from
Ecclestone (27 not out), the only other batter to make more than
15.
The Australian bowlers shared the spoils, six players claiming
at least one wicket.
Teenage pace bowler Darcie Brown, in her second test after a
wicketless debut, finally collected her first wicket when she
had opener Lauren Winfield-Hill caught at second slip, and she
later took an excellent catch at mid-on.
(Reporting by Andrew Both in Melbourne; Editing by Peter
Rutherford)
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