England’s hopes of regaining the women’s grace are over as holders Australia opened up an unassailable 8-0 lead with a 57-run win in the first T20 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Heather Knight’s side can still extend the series with wins in the last two T20s and the one Test, but will not win the trophy that has been in Australia’s hands since 2015 after being beaten again.
England, who had been beaten 3-0 in the previous ODI series to fall 6-0 on points, were dismissed for 141 in 16 overs chasing a record-equaling 199, with Sophia Dunkley’s 59-ball 30 wasted.
Dunkley’s dismissal – delivered by a Tahlia McGrath delivery that was left low in the 12th over with 89 runs needed – was the decisive blow for the tourists, who had earlier seen openers Maia Bouchier and Danni Wyatt-Hodge fall to the ducks.
Australia plundered 198-7 after innings, with Beth Mooney (75 off 51) top scoring and recording a 24th T20 international fifty after being dropped for 16 by Amy Jones.
England were sloppy in the field – Lauren Bell bowled debutant Georgia Voll (21 off 11) for 13 before bagging her lbw, while Charlie Dean and Nat Sciver-Brunt left a catch for each other as the tourists also fell short to dismiss Mooney on 23 – as well as loose with the ball.
Sophie Ecclestone was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2-39 from her four overs as she rounded off enterprising displays from McGrath (26 off 9) – who was standing in as captain for Alyssa Healy (leg pain) – and Grace Harris (14 not out ). 8).
The series continues in Canberra on Thursday, before the T20 final in Adelaide on Saturday and then the pink-ball Test match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground from January 30.
More to follow.
Women’s Ashes – results and fixtures
All UK and Ireland dates and times
- First ODI: Saturday January 11 – Australia won by four wickets
- Second ODI: Monday January 13 – Australia won by 21 runs
- Third ODI: Thursday January 16 – Australia won by 86 runs
- 1st T20I: Monday January 20 – Australia won by
- Second T20I: Thursday 23 January (08.40) – Canberra
- 3rd T20I: Saturday 25 January (08.10) – Adelaide
- One time test: Thursday 30 January – Sunday 2 February (3.30am) – Melbourne
