Australia has taken control of the Women’s Ashes test match after an exciting final session on Day 4. England’s hopes of winning the one-off test took a major hit as they lost five quick wickets in a dramatic collapse. After starting strong at 55-0, England found themselves struggling at 73-4, with Ash Gardner taking three crucial wickets for Australia. At stumps, England stood at 116-5, still needing 152 runs to secure the highest-ever run chase in women’s Test cricket.
Australia had earlier been bowled out for 257, with Sophie Ecclestone’s outstanding performance leading to five wickets for just 63 runs. This gave her a total of 10 wickets for the match. With a victory in the test match carrying four points, a draw would mean the points are shared.
England’s opening pair, Emma Lamb and Tammy Beaumont, made a strong start but were dismissed in quick succession. Nat Sciver-Brunt and captain Heather Knight also fell rapidly, leaving England in a precarious position. Sophia Dunkley and debutant Danni Wyatt tried to put up a fight with a 37-run partnership, but Dunkley was eventually caught behind off Kim Garth.
Australia had started the day at 82-0 but suffered a collapse of their own, losing wickets rapidly due to Ecclestone’s brilliance and England’s improved pace attack. Lauren Filer impressed with two wickets before lunch. England, however, missed several catching opportunities throughout Australia’s innings, including a chance to dismiss Alyssa Healy early on.
With England’s batting depth, they still have a fighting chance of saving the match. However, they will need to maintain an aggressive approach against Australia’s three spinners on a deteriorating pitch that offers turn and uneven bounce. The outcome of the test match slightly favors Australia, and England will need to produce a remarkable effort to secure victory and keep their hopes alive in the Women’s Ashes series.
In conclusion, Australia holds the upper hand in the Women’s Ashes test match as England faces a challenging chase on the final day. With both teams fighting hard, it promises to be an exciting finale to this one-of-a-kind test match.
