*WOMEN’S ASHES- ENGLAND VS AUSTRALIA- ONE OFF TEST: PREVIEW*
*THE BUILD UP:*
The first men’s Ashes test recently concluded with Australia winning a nail biting thriller going right down to the wire. It was a clear cut sign of the series being an absolute thriller and we could expect something in the Women’s Ashes test as well. Even though it’s a one-off encounter, the bite and the fight of this face off is always one to watch out for, one which keeps the fans, the supporters of the game as well as the analyst on their toes. England locking horns against Australia is always riveting, regardless of the format and the gender that is playing.
The last time when these two sides clashed, it was a fascinating draw with England requiring 45 runs to win from the last 10 overs with 7 wickets in hand. Heather Knight’s England tried pushing for a win losing 6 wickets in the process and falling 12 short in the end, marking one of the great test match finishes in women’s test cricket history, an aspect of our beautiful game that is just as much cherishable as the others.
Heather Knight, accumulating 216 runs in the entire test match will be taking this performance into consideration and trying to go for another solid outing once they step out on the field tomorrow at 11:00AM local at Nottingham.
From Australia, the likes of Alyssa Healy, a world class keeper and a top order gun, alongside the ever so impressive duo of Tahlia McGrath and Ashleigh Gardner, who had given a decent contribution in the opening innings with fifties and came back strongly with 30s in the second innings as well. These are a few players I will be watching closely. They could create a real impact in this one off test and we have often seen how a single game tends to be remembered by many for a long time if it gives the thrills. The two teams, very competitive in their nature and arguably the strongest out there in Women’s cricket at the moment, will fight till every blood drops from their body. In total, we have had 52 ashes tests so far with 12 ending in Australia’s win, 9 in England’s and 31 draws- clearly it’s a matter of the Aussie dominance but not by a big margin and these many number of draws boils down to the fact that 4-day test matches in women’s cricket are still a relevant thing, a feature that the ICC needs to scrap as soon as possible.
*AUSTRALIA PROBABLE XI:*
Beth Mooney, Phoebe Litchfield, Alyssa Healy(c), Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, Darcie Brown
Australia will be stepping out onto the field in the absence of their permanent skipper Meg Lanning, who’s led them to historic memorable heart wrenching and winning wins over the years. Her absence would hurt specially given how she was among the runs last Ashes test, making it count with an impressive 93 off 170 in the first innings. Healy, who’s a good replacement skipper and enjoyed her stint in the W-IPL would be looking to fill up the big boots. Her batting exactly two years ago, was one to forget as she registered two ducks. But I’m expecting that a comeback is on the cards from the experienced pro.
Megan Schutt is all set to make her comeback in test cricket after missing out on the last Ashes test. This is a big inclusion for Australia as she swings the ball nicely and could create an early impact with the dukes ball. Not just that but her overall test bowling average is also phenomenal, averaging in the early 20s, with the knack of getting the big scalps. Excited to watch her game versus the English skipper who’ll be waiting to build on her Ashes reputation.
All eyes will be on the young batting prodigy Phoebe Litchfield, who will be filling the void left by Lanning's absence. She has shown solid technique and the hunger to win games for her domestic sides and come tomorrow, her ultimate test is going to begin against a well horned English outfit at their own home ground.
*ENGLAND PROBABLE XI:*
Tammy Beaumont, Emma Lamb, Heather Knight (c), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophia Dunkley, Danni Wyatt, Amy Jones, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross, Lauren Filer, Lauren Bell
Opener Tammy was batting like a dream in the warmups. When she wracked up a double ton against England A, our jaws dropped as cricket viewers. Goes onto tell how dominating she was. It’s going to be hard ask, stopping her but Australia have the resources to tackle this threat. If the pitch is likely to be a flat one and the Aussie quicks tire out quickly, things could get challenging out there for the women from down under with Tammy all set to pounce on anything loose and defend anything good.
Kate Cross and Sophie Ecclestone, are two premier bowlers of this lineup and could be the heroes in the next few days as well. Sophie flights the ball nicely and entices the batters to go for the drive. This is one feature of her world class bowling that should give her the required success from tomorrow and the ever so energetic and riveting Cross, is one I will have my eyes fixed upon because she could get the big wickets with what she brings to the table as a pacer. The conditions will support her well.
Nat Sciver Brunt, the vice captain of this side and an allrounder integral to the success of England, will be fired up before tomorrow. In Englands warmup, she came out all guns blazing smashing 71 and picking up a three-fer as well. The highlight of the innings was her intent and the determination to train hard and put in the efforts. She was supported well by Heather Knight, who rises like a beast whenever the Ashes are set to begin. The half centuries struck by this duo will go along way in terrorising the Australians but with records and stats favouring Australia, I expect a cracker of a game with a final day finish.
Nottingham is likely to stay the same in terms of the weather throughout this test, with only some rain expected on the final day. We’d hope that it clears out and does not hinder in what is going to be an enthralling opener.
*MY PREDICTIONS FOR THE GAME:*
*FOR AUS:*
Highest run getter- Beth Mooney/Alyssa Healy
Highest wicket taker- Tahlia McGrath/Megan Schutt
*FOR ENG:*
Highest run getter- Heather Knight/Tammy Beaumont
Highest wicket taker- Kate Cross/Sophie Ecclestone
*FOR THIS GAME:*
Expect a draw with England dominating.