The women’s Ashes that Australia won by 89 runs was the greatest advertisement for the game of cricket. 40 wickets were taken and 1,371 runs scored. Ashley Gardner emerged as the primer Donna of the five days of Hard fought cricket at Tunbridge Wells.
Ashleigh Gardner, the talented all-rounder, showcased her brilliance as she claimed eight wickets in England’s second innings, achieving her personal best figures. Her exceptional performance played a vital role in Australia women’s comfortable 89-run victory in the one-off Ashes Test held in Nottingham on Monday. With England chasing a record-breaking target of 268 runs for victory, Gardner’s exceptional bowling performance saw her claim eight wickets, including all five that fell on the final day. The defeat at Trent Bridge leaves England facing an uphill battle to reclaim the coveted Ashes title.
In the multi-format series, Australia’s Test win earns them four valuable points, while the upcoming three one-day internationals and T20 matches will each be worth two points. Australia, reigning world champions in both white-ball formats, once again showcased their supremacy with the red ball in a tightly contested match that captivated audiences over five thrilling days. Record-breaking crowds gathered to witness this historic women’s Test in England, as the previous three Ashes Tests had all ended in draws due to the limited four-day duration.
Seeking their first Ashes victory since 2014, England’s captain, Heather Knight, expressed confidence in her team’s ability to compete with Australia. Tammy Beaumont’s magnificent innings of 208 propelled England to their highest-ever Test score for women in the first innings, setting up a tantalizingly close contest as only a mere 10 runs separated the two sides at the halfway stage.
Gardner’s crucial three wickets late on the previous day left England in a precarious position at 116-5 overnight. Despite the hosts adding 25 runs to their total, Kate Cross succumbed to Gardner’s bowling, edging behind the stumps. Amy Jones could only manage four runs before being stumped, but Danni Wyatt’s impressive half-century kept England’s hopes alive, bringing the target down to double digits with three wickets still in hand.
Sunil Yash Kalra is a Women’s Cricket Historian & Founder of Indian Sports Fans.
