Women’s Ashes 2025: Ash Gardner and Alana King star as hosts seal ODI clean sweep
England’s hopes of regaining the Women’s Ashes are in jeopardy as they suffered an 86-run defeat to Australia in the third and final one-day international in Hobart.
The hosts slumped to 59-4 as England bowlers dominated the early stages, but Ash Gardner’s superb 102-run stand and Beth Mooney and Thaliya ·Tahlia McGrath’s half-century led the team to a stunning recovery, helping them to 308-8.
England were braver and more proactive than in the previous two games, but their top score could not match Gardner’s winning contribution, with four players going over 30 points, while Nat Seaver-Brent Sciver-Brunt’s 61 points became their highest score in 222 games.
Australia now lead 6-0 in the points-based multi-format series and Heather Knight’s side must win all three T20 matches (scoring 2 points each) and Test matches (scoring 4 points) to regain that Ashes cup. The drawn series will be retained by the holder.
While England’s failure to chase down 181 in the second ODI was down to their own fault – failing to take advantage of Australia’s rare rest day – the world champions served as a timely reminder of their class and stunning Deep strength.
Gardner was not bothered by more top-order errors and he patiently put on 95 for the fifth wicket with Mooney and 103 for the sixth wicket with McGrath , McGrath struck 55 from 45 balls.
It was a perfectly paced game as Georgia Wareham, making her debut in the series, backed seamer Darcie Brown to finish with a brutal 12-ball 38 as England 104 goals were conceded in the final 10 overs.
England kept pace with Australia’s innings throughout the chase, needing to reach 120 in the last 15 overs, but the final six wickets were kept by a combination of brilliant fielding and relentless accuracy with the ball. Blown away by 22 points.
The T20 series begins on Monday, January 20 (08:40 GMT) at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
