Women’s Ashes: England Lose First ODI To Australia In Sydney

Australia claim early advantage in the women’s ashes

The Women’s Ashes series has begun with a strong statement from the Australian side, who defeated England by four wickets in the opening One Day International (ODI) at North Sydney Oval. This victory earns Australia the first two points in the multi-format series, which comprises three ODIs, three T20s, and a Test match.

England’s hopes were dented early on as they were dismissed for 203 runs, with key all-rounder Ash Gardner shining for Australia. Gardner’s impressive bowling figures of 3-19, combined with a crucial unbeaten 42 with the bat, underpinned Australia’s successful chase with 67 balls to spare.

England’s innings: promise undermined by late collapse

England elected to bat first but suffered an early setback when opener Maia Bouchier was dismissed cheaply. Captain Heather Knight anchored the innings, scoring a patient 39 runs from 48 balls. Knight’s partnerships with Tammy Beaumont and later Nat Sciver-Brunt helped build some momentum. However, after Knight’s dismissal, England’s middle order faltered briefly.

The duo of Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Amy Jones steadied the innings with a valuable 69-run partnership. Unfortunately, the tail-end batting could not withstand Australia’s disciplined bowling attack, losing four of the last five wickets for minimal runs. This ultimately restricted England to a modest total of 203.

Australia’s response: Healy dominates before Gardner seals victory

Australia’s chase began on shaky ground with the early wicket of Phoebe Litchfield, but captain Alyssa Healy’s aggressive innings swung the momentum firmly in Australia’s favour. Healy smashed 70 runs, including 11 boundaries, before falling to Charlie Dean.

Gardner’s quickfire 42 not out remained unbeaten, guiding Australia home with ease. Alongside Gardner and Healy, Annabel Sutherland’s bowling contributed key wickets to destabilise England’s batting lineup.

Bowling highlights and injury concerns for England

England’s bowlers fought hard, with Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Filer each claiming two wickets, and Lauren Bell adding one. Bell’s performance was particularly noteworthy, with captain Knight calling it the best she has seen Bell bowl in an England shirt, praising her line, length, and movement off the pitch.

However, England were without their experienced seamer Kate Cross, sidelined due to a back injury. Cross’s absence was felt, as she had also missed the recent Test against South Africa, highlighting England’s challenges in maintaining a full-strength squad.

Captain knight’s reflections and the path ahead for England

Despite the opening loss, Heather Knight remained optimistic. She highlighted the encouraging aspects of England’s bowling and identified small margins that could be improved ahead of the next match in Melbourne. Knight stressed the importance of a wicket-taking mindset and praised her bowlers for their effort.

She commented, "We’re not far off. Little things to sharpen up on, and we can be better in Melbourne." This positive outlook is crucial as England seek to bounce back in the series.

The women’s ashes 2025 schedule and what to watch next

The series continues with the second ODI at Junction Oval, Melbourne, on Monday 13 January at 11.05pm UK time. Two more points are available in this match, making it a vital opportunity for England to level the series.

Following the ODIs, the teams will contest three T20 internationals and conclude the series with a one-off Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground starting 30 January. This diverse format tests the teams’ adaptability and depth.

Why the women’s ashes matters for women’s cricket in the uk and australia

The Women’s Ashes is one of the most prestigious cricket contests between the UK and Australia, inspiring a growing audience for women’s sport. The multi-format series showcases the versatility and skill of female cricketers, helping to elevate the profile of women’s cricket globally.

Notably, the series provides a platform for emerging talents and established stars alike, with performances from players such as Gardner and Healy capturing the imagination of fans. The competitive nature of the matches encourages investment and development in women’s cricket on both sides of the world.

Internal links to enhance your cricket knowledge

For readers interested in broader cricket updates and player insights, check out Jacob Bethell’s reflections on limited playtime during the 2025 cricket season, which offers a look at player development challenges. Additionally, County cricket latest championship updates and key highlights provides comprehensive coverage of domestic competitions that feed talent into international squads.