Review: Australia claim first-ever Women’s Ashes whitewash after annihilating England in Melbourne Test

Australia Women (AUS-W) and England Women (ENG-W) wrapped up their one-off Test match at the storied Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Saturday, February 1. After three days, Alyssa Healy and her team triumphed, bringing an end to England’s dreadful tour of Australia.

Australia won the ODI and T20I series by identical 3-0 scores last month, making them the first team to complete a sweep in the Women’s Ashes.

The hosts led by 252 runs at the beginning of Day 3 at 422/5. Before being dismissed for 106 by Lauren Filer, Beth Mooney, who was stranded on 98, reached her century. After Sophie Ecclestone ended with a five-for, Australia was bowled out for 440.

To force Australia to bat again, England had to score 271 in their second innings. Tammy Beaumont and Heather Knight put up a 73-run partnership after Maia Bouchier left in the fourth over, demonstrating strong resiliency. But in the second session, Ashleigh Gardner and Alana Kings, Australia’s spin duo, deceived the England hitters with their amazing skills.

Gardner’s dismissal of Knight for 32 ended the partnership between Knight and Beaumont. She bowled Beaumont out for 47 a few overs later, and King joined in.

After a strong start versus Australia, the England women declined like a deck of cards.

The middle-order hitters were completely overwhelmed by the Australian spinners. The tourists were bowled out for 148 after starting at 79/1. To postpone the inevitable, the tailenders put up a great fight, particularly Lauren Filer and Lauren Bell, who batted 68 balls together.

King finished with statistics of 5/53 in 23.4 overs after taking Filer’s final wicket. Gardner, meanwhile, took four wickets while giving up only 39 runs in 25 overs. Darcie Brown also contributed by taking Bouchier’s lone wicket.

Because of her outstanding hit of 163 from 258 balls, Annabel Sutherland was named the Player of the Match. King, meanwhile, was named Player of the Series after finishing as the top wicket-taker in both the one-off Test and the ODIs.