England drew the Ashes series 8-8, securing an ODI series win over Australia in Taunton. Nat Sciver-Brunt, once again, reached a century as England set 286 to win. The rain effected the Aussies’ innings but the dominant side failed to chase the DLS revised target of 269 from 44 overs. Australia may retain the 2023 Ashes but England not only have won games but have won two series – a task which seemed beyond reach just a few weeks ago.
With the Ashes decided, England faced Australia for the final time in the 3rd ODI at Taunton. Australia left their successful Xi unchanged, continuing with a heavy spin department while England were forced to swap in Charlie Dean for Sarah Glenn who is having her appendix removed in unforeseen circumstances.
The Aussies had an early impact as England opener Sophia Dunkley struggled to get off the mark. The out of form batter departed for 2 from 13 as a running Phoebe Litchfield made the ground to take the catch off Ash Gardner’s bowling.
Megan Schutt was keen to continue Australia’s momentum as she clean bowled Tammy Beaumont for 4 who fell spectacularly into the splits as she messed up her footing.
After their hesitant start, England rebuilt the innings with Heather Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt at the crease. Sciver-Brunt continued how she’d left off at Southampton, bringing up her half-century with a boundary – poetically off the bowling of Australia’s batting hero in the 2nd ODI – Georgia Wareham.
A crucial moment caused disappointment for Australia as Sciver-Brunt was dropped on 54 in what was quite a regulation caught and bowled for Tahlia McGrath. Knight’s half century shortly followed, the partnership easily surpassing 100.
Reaching an 147 run partnership, it was the highest 3rd wicket stand that England have held against Australia. But, the momentum paused as Knight came down the track and was bowled by Alana King who had been previously expensive in this innings.
Sciver-Brunt continued to look comfortable at the crease but the new batter, Alice Capsey never really settled and was dismissed for a mere five runs from her 12 balls. This took England to 178/4 with 13 overs remaining.
Consecutive ODI centuries for Sciver-Brunt brought the sold-out ground to their feet. Unlike in Southampton, the all-rounder took her helmet off and raised her bat, perhaps enjoying the moment for her most recent two innings. The records continued to be revealed as this made Sciver-Brunt the first woman to hit four ODI centuries against Australia.
Danni Wyatt entertained the spectators with her rapid-fire 43 from 24 deliveries, putting on a 66-run partnership with Sciver-Brunt. Amy Jones and Sciver-Brunt went in quick succession, the latter, England’s hero, finishing on 129.
England wrapped up on 285/9 as Kate Cross was bowled by Jess Jonassen on the final ball of the innings.
The hosts did not back down as Lauren Bell saw off Phoebe Litchfield for 1 with a remarkable, low catch by Sophie Ecclestone. It only took a few balls for England to once again find a breakthrough. Alyssa Healy was bowled through the gate by Kate Cross for 7 to see the Aussies slip 15/2.
It started to mirror England’s innings as Ellyse Perry and Tahlia McGrath started to develop a feared partnership. Just ahead of the rain, McGrath was stumped by Jones off the bowling of Ecclestone to prevent more damage being done.
With heavy rain coming down over the County Ground, the covers came on and a revised target of 269 in 44 overs was set.
Australia came out firing after the rain, with a challenging total to chase. A much-needed wicket was taken for England as Perry skied the ball of Cross’ bowling, falling into the safe hands of Alice Capsey.
Cross’ 3-fer was well deserved as Beth Mooney attempted to find the boundary but Ecclestone comfortably took the catch at mid-off, Australia slipping 120/5, with still 149 from 21 overs. The Aussies continued to be far below the DLS par, but a positive few overs from Gardner saw them edge closer to the total.
Vitally, it was Gardner who was dismissed by a poor decision to take a second run. Danni Wyatt zipped the ball in to Cross who whipped the bails off.
A dangerous pair, Georgia Wareham and Annabel Sutherland were at the crease with the potential to take back the game. However, Amy Jones’ rapid stumping off Nat Sciver-Brunt’s delivery to see the batter trudge off with her head bowed.
The wickets continued to tumble with Charlie Dean – making her first ODI appearance of the series – came into the attack and deceived Sutherlands bowling her for 18. It became apparent that the momentum was full with England, Lauren Bell finding rhythm and forcing Alana King to depart without scoring.
There were scenes of jubilance in Taunton from both players as fans as Charlie Dean took the final wicket of Jess Jonassen to end what has been a thrilling Ashes series. England enjoyed an emphatic 69-run victory over an extremely dominant white ball side to end the Ashes with their heads held high.
England XI: Tammy Beaumont, Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Heather Knight ©, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt, Amy Jones (wk), Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross, Lauren Bell
Australia XI: Alyssa Healy © (wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ashleigh Gardner, Annabel Sutherland, Jess Jonassen, Georgia Wareham, Megan Schutt, Alana King
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