Australia’s Women’s cricket team has retained the Ashes, following the one-off test in Taunton last Sunday. There were few thrills or spectacles, which may have disappointed some fans, but the team’s cool, calm professionalism brought them to victory expertly.
Captain Meg Lanning decided to bat out the final two sessions, instead of declaring and setting England a target. She says, ”we weren’t going to throw it open to England to give them a chance.” The test victory made Australia unbeatable in this series thanks to their 8-2 lead. Lanning is pleased the team has secured the retention of the Ashes, which was their first priority, but says ”we still feel like we’ve got a bit to achieve on this tour” and is hoping to win the series outright.
Player of the match Ellyse Perry stunned spectators once again. She batted fiercely, securing another half-century, despite questions over her fitness relating to a recent groin strain. This did appear to be giving her some difficulty whilst running at times but she persevered regardless. She has now scored a spectacular 400 runs over the past two tests. Sophie Molineux made a superb debut, also securing a well-deserved half-century for the team as well as claiming the wicket of England’s Anya Shrubsole on her own Somerset turf no less. Not to be outdone, Tayla Vlaeminck brought a storm to her debut, demonstrating some fiery, fast, short-pitched bowling that reached match-high speeds of 120 km/h during her four-overs.
Australia and England will be in Chelmsford next for the first of the three T20Is beginning on Friday evening.
