The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in cricketing history as Alyssa Healy’s Australian team gears up for a packed summer, hosting England in the much-anticipated Women’s Ashes 2025. This multi-format series, renowned for its high-octane action and fierce rivalries, will see England striving to end a decade-long Ashes drought on Australian soil.
The 2025 Ashes begins with a three-match ODI series, starting on January 11 at North Sydney Oval in Sydney. The second ODI will be played on January 13 at Junction Oval in Melbourne, with the final match scheduled for January 16 at Bellerive Oval in Hobart. This series sets the tone for the T20Is that follow, promising an action-packed fortnight of cricket.
The T20I series opens at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 20, with subsequent matches on January 23 at Manuka Oval in Canberra and January 25 at Adelaide Oval. The series will then culminate with a historic one-off day-night Test match on February 2 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
This pink-ball Test marks Australia’s first women’s Test at the iconic venue in 75 years and their return to the ground since their triumphant 2020 T20 World Cup final victory over India.
Introducing the Test match, Alyssa Healy highlighted the unique excitement of the multi-format Ashes, “The way that our Ashes series is set up, there’s white ball games beforehand, and it could come down to the Test match to try and retain the trophy, or for England to (take) the Ashes trophy off us. That adds a little extra excitement to it, a little extra spice,” she said.
The 2023 Women’s Ashes was a rollercoaster ride that ended in a dramatic 8-8 tie. Australia started strong with an 89-run victory in the Test, courtesy of Ashleigh Gardner’s incredible eight-wicket haul. After winning the first T20I, they led the series 6-0. However, England mounted a stunning comeback, winning the next two T20Is and the opening ODI to level the series at six points apiece.
Although Australia retained the trophy with a win in the second ODI, England’s thrilling victory in the final match ensured the series ended in a draw, showcasing the fiercely competitive nature of the two sides.
Healy also reflected on playing in England during the 2023 series and the prospect of playing in front of Australian fans, “Last time we were in England playing the Ashes series over there (in 2023), the crowds were quite hostile. We were playing alongside the Men’s at that stage as well, and it got even spicier towards the back end. So, for us, it’s a cool opportunity (for) Aussie sporting fans to come out and support our teams and reassure them that they’ve got our back as well … Melbourne fans turn out, they turn up.”
Alyssa Healy’s injury during the 2023 T20 World Cup opened the door for 21-year-old Queenslander Georgia Voll to shine. Voll made a massive impact in the ODI series against India, smashing 46*, 101, and 26 at a blistering strike rate of 116.87.
Healy was effusive in her praise for the young opener, “She just brings some real stability and consistency it feels, and that’s exactly why the WBBL is such an amazing breeding ground for our young players. She’s obviously been on the radar for a long period of time, and we knew one day that she would play for Australia. It was just a matter of when we felt there was opportunity, but also when she was ready. To be able to pick her off the back of form was not only great for us, but great for her.”
The test squad for Australia is yet to be announced but the squad for the ODI and T20I series features a blend of experience and young talent, including the likes of Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, and the dynamic Georgia Voll. With Healy leading the side, they are primed to deliver another unforgettable Ashes series.
Australia’s ODI and T20I squad:
Alyssa Healy, Tahlia McGrath, Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris (T20Is only), Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
(Quotes sourced from foxsports)
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