In the lone Women’s Ashes Test at Trent Bridge, England made a strong start in their pursuit of a target of 268 runs after dismissing Australia for 257 in their second innings on Day 4. Australia, who had enjoyed eight years of unbroken Women’s Ashes series success, initially seemed in control at 149/1. However, a dramatic collapse saw them slump to 198/7, with left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone leading the way for England, taking four wickets in just 34 balls.
Australia’s opener, Beth Mooney, fought valiantly and contributed 85 runs, while captain Alyssa Healy, batting at No. 8, scored an important 50 to rally the tail. Ecclestone showcased her bowling prowess, finishing with impressive innings figures of 5/63, thereby completing a match haul of 10/192 after her marathon 46.2 overs in Australia’s first innings, during which they posted a formidable total of 473.
With more than a day’s play remaining, England now face the challenge of chasing down the target in a match that spans five days, a departure from the usual four-day format in women’s Tests. The hosts had already demonstrated their strength with a first-innings total of 463, buoyed by opener Tammy Beaumont’s outstanding knock of 208, the highest individual Test score for England Women.
Meanwhile in the chase, England made a solid start, scoring 55/0 after 10 overs. However, Australia then made a comeback and bagged four wickets in quick succession to reduce the hosts to 73/4. It is worth noting that the Women’s Ashes is a multi-format contest, unlike the ongoing men’s five-Test Ashes series. Alongside the Test match, the women’s series includes three one-day internationals and three Twenty20s, with Australia reigning as world champions in both white-ball formats.
