Australia need 286 to win the women’s Ashes series

Glenn Moore | July 19, 2023

Australia will have to chase down a target of 286 if they are to win, rather than simply retain the Women’s Ashes.

Anchored by a second successive century from Nat Sciver-Brunt, who hit 129 off 149 balls, England recovered from a bad start to post their highest ODI score, 9-285, at Taunton in the final match of the series.

Australia have only once chased a higher total to win, but the Somerset ground is a high-scoring venue,  

Alyssa Healy put the hosts in and opened with spinner Ashleigh Gardner, who soon dismissed the out-of-form Sophia Dunkley. More significant was Megan Schutt bowling the in-form Tammy Beaumont cheaply.

That brought England’s most experienced pair, Heather Knight and Sciver-Brunt, to the crease. They rebuilt, slowly at first, then accelerated towards a century partnership. 

Having put on 147 Knight was bowled by Alana King for a 72-ball 67 and Alice Capsey holed out off Jess Jonassen soon after. 

But Sciver-Brunt, who had been dropped by Tahlia McGrath on 54, to a sharp return chance, moved on to a 126-ball century scoring almost exclusively on the leg side. She became the first player to make four centuries against Australia, having scored them all in her last five Ashes ODIs. 

Danni Wyatt (43 off 25) provided strong support but was bowled by the returning Gardner who then caught Sciver-Brunt off Jonassen on the boundary. 

Gardner finished with 3-39 off ten overs and Jonassen 3-30 off five as England’s tail wagged limply.

The tourists, who retained the team that won at Southampton on Sunday, which ensured retention of the Ashes, can take out the multi-format series with a win.

A victory for England will leave the series drawn on points at 8-8, with England the winners of both the ODI and T20 series after Australia won the Test.