The Women’s Ashes series between England and Australia has reached a thrilling climax, with both teams level on points going into the final two one-day matches. After a gripping two-wicket victory in the opening ODI at Bristol, England has managed to level the multi-format series at six points apiece. The upcoming matches, scheduled to be held at Southampton and Taunton, will decide the fate of the Ashes. Australia, as the current holders, needs just one win to retain the trophy, but England’s recent momentum has given them renewed hope of upsetting the odds.
Women’s Ashes Format and Points System:
The Women’s Ashes is a multi-format series that includes 20-over, 50-over, and Test cricket. In this edition, the teams have already played a single five-day Test match, followed by three T20 matches. The series now moves on to three one-day internationals. A points system is used, where a Test victory is worth four points (two points each in the event of a draw), and each ODI and T20 win is worth two points (one point each if drawn). This format keeps the series competitive and ensures each format has significance in determining the overall winner.
Fixtures and Schedule:
Here is the schedule of the Women’s Ashes fixtures so far:
- Test match: Trent Bridge, Nottingham, June 22-26 (Australia won by 89 runs)
- 1st T20I: Edgbaston, Birmingham, July 1, 6:35 PM (Australia won by four wickets)
- 2nd T20I: The Oval, London, July 5, 6:00 PM (England won by three runs)
- 3rd T20I: Lord’s, London, July 8, 6:35 PM (England won by five wickets)
- 1st ODI: The Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol, July 12, 1:00 PM (England won by two wickets)
Remaining Matches:
- 2nd ODI: The Ageas Bowl, Southampton, July 16, 11:00 AM (live coverage) – 2 points available
- 3rd ODI: The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton, July 18, 1:00 PM – 2 points available
Television Coverage:
Fans can catch all the live action of the Women’s Ashes series on Sky Sports, broadcasted on its Cricket and Main Event channels. Sky’s lineup of pundits includes Nick Knight, Isa Guha, Mel Jones, Simon Doull, Mark Butcher, Charlotte Edwards, Lydia Greenway, Lauren Winfield-Hill, and Charles Dagnall. In addition, highlights of each match are available on Today at the Test on BBC 2 and BBC iPlayer, airing at 7:00 PM after each day’s play.
Radio Coverage:
Test Match Special provides ball-by-ball coverage of the entire Women’s Ashes series on 5 Live Sports Extra and the BBC Sounds app. The commentary and punditry team comprises well-known voices from men’s cricket, including Jonathan Agnew, Isa Guha, Simon Mann, Alison Mitchell, Daniel Norcross, Jim Maxwell, and various expert summarisers.
ODI Squads:
England:
- Heather Knight (captain, Western Storm)
- Tammy Beaumont (The Blaze)
- Lauren Bell (Southern Vipers)
- Alice Capsey (South East Stars)
- Kate Cross (Thunder)
- Charlie Dean (Southern Vipers)
- Sophia Dunkley (South East Stars)
- Sophie Ecclestone (Thunder)
- Lauren Filer (Western Storm)
- Danielle Gibson (Western Storm)
- Sarah Glenn (The Blaze)
- Amy Jones (Central Sparks)
- Nat Sciver-Brunt (vice-captain, The Blaze)
- Issy Wong (Central Sparks)
- Danielle Wyatt (Southern Vipers)
Australia:
- Meg Lanning (captain)
- Darcie Brown
- Ashleigh Gardner
- Kim Garth
- Grace Harris
- Alyssa Healy
- Jess Jonassen
- Alana King
- Phoebe Litchfield
- Tahlia McGrath
- Beth Mooney
- Ellyse Perry
- Megan Schutt
- Annabel Sutherland
- Georgia Wareham
Women’s Ashes History:
The Women’s Ashes has a rich history, starting from 1934 and transitioning into the multi-format series in 2013. Australia has been the dominant force, claiming ten victories compared to England’s six. The series has witnessed a few draws, but only one since the introduction of the current points system. England’s chances of reclaiming the Women’s Ashes after their 2022 defeat are still alive, with the team hoping to replicate their 2013-14 success. This edition of the series has been scheduled to avoid overlapping with The Hundred tournament, which begins on August 1.
Conclusion:
The Women’s Ashes series between England and Australia has reached a thrilling stage, with both teams vying for victory in the upcoming one-day matches. England’s recent resurgence has leveled the series, creating an exciting contest to determine the winner of the Ashes. Fans can enjoy comprehensive live coverage on Sky Sports, along with highlights on BBC 2 and BBC iPlayer. With a historic sell-out for England’s ODIs, the stage is set for a captivating conclusion to the first-ever Women’s Ashes series in England.
