Women's Ashes: England retain Ashes

Australia (309 and 231) drew with England (268 and 106-3).

England’s women retained the Ashes after rain and Australia’s late declaration combined to rule out any other outcome but a draw in the one-off Test match at Worcester.

Captain Charlotte Edwards was presented with the Ashes trophy, a wooden ball containing the ashes of a miniature bat signed by both teams back in 1998, to cap off a remarkable four months in which her side have won the Women’s World Cup, the Women’s World Twenty20 and the ODI series against Australia.

It was in the second and final Test at Worcester four years ago that England won their first Ashes series for 42 years. Since then, they have retained them twice from just two one-off matches reflecting a serious shortage of Test cricket in the women’s game and raising concerns over its future.

“Australia chose to play five ODIs rather than a second Test this year and New Zealand have ruled out any Test cricket during their tour next summer,” explained ECB’s head of women’s cricket Clare Connor who will raise the issue with the ICC later this year.

“We need to have some honest conversations about the balance of the three formats of the game.”

Australia set England a target of 273 runs to win in 81 overs after being bowled out for 231 in their second innings. Many thought Jodie Fields would declare once the lead reached 250 but after resuming on their overnight total of 128 for one, they ploughed on, losing nine wickets in the quest for quick runs.

Karen Rolton, the former captain was run out in the first over without adding to her score. Having become the first Australian woman to pass 1,000 runs in Test cricket, this was rumoured to be her final appearance for her country bringing to an end a distinguished 15-year international career.

Lauren Ebsary was promoted up the order to accelerate the run rate and although Alex Blackwell made 68 before being caught and bowled by Katherine Brunt, the rate proved too slow for a declaration.

England’s work in the field was exemplary effecting three run outs and a superb stumping by wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor which brought a hasty end to the Australian innings. The last seven wickets fell for 81 runs with spinners Holly Colvin and Laura Marsh claiming the lion’s share.

A series of stoppages for rain caused a few jitters as England, who were never tempted into the run chase, lost three quick wickets but Edwards and Beth Morgan added 67 before the captains finally shook hands.