Crack out the champagne, because Australia have scored a decisive victory over the old enemy in the Women’s Ashes, and now hold an insurmountable 8-0 lead over England in the series. Given that Australia, as holders since 2015, simply needed a draw to retain the Ashes, today’s victory in the day/night T20 at the Sydney Cricket Ground has confirmed that Australia will hold onto the Ashes until the next series is played.
Tonight’s match saw Australia post a daunting 7/198, led by Beth Mooney‘s quickfire 75 at the top of the order, with some late hitting from captain Tahlia McGrath helping set up a big run chase for England. Despite losing two wickets in the first seven balls, England were well in the game with Sophia Dunkley‘s rapid 59 supported by cameos from Nat Sciver-Brunt and captain Heather Knight. But when England were well-placed at 3/96, Alana King took the crucial wicket of Knight, with McGrath bowling Dunkley soon after to begin a slide to 141 all out, leaving Australia victorious by 57 runs.
Having won the preceding one-day international series with a clean sweep of the three match series, Australia came into the three T20s and the one-off Test knowing that one win in any of the remaining fixtures would keep the Ashes Down Under. With two points for each win in the one-day and T20 games, and four points for a win in the Test, an 8-0 lead cannot be overturned.
With the Women’s Ashes safely defended, Australia’s attention will now turn to winning the series outright when the second T20 begins in Canberra on Thursday, January 23. Melbourne cricket fans can see the victorious Australia women in action when the day/night Test is played at the MCG, starting on January 30. It’s the first women’s Test match at the G for 75 years, so head along to support the team and see a slice of history in action, all at once! Tickets are still available here.