As the 2025 Ashes series approaches, Heather Knight’s England squad lands in Sydney with a quiet sense of optimism. Despite Australia retaining the trophy in 2023 after a fiercely contested series that ended 8-8, England proved they could go toe-to-toe with their formidable rivals. Now, with renewed determination, they aim to reclaim the Ashes after almost a decade.
Spinner Charlie Dean, reflecting on their past struggles and newfound confidence, spoke about the difference in the team’s mindset compared to their last visit to Australia.
“Going back to the last Ashes trip, I was really fresh based on the international scene, and I think I was quite daunted by the prospect of the Aussies,” Dean said.
“This time around, I feel like a few more of us are a bit more experienced. We’ve lost a few players, but then a lot of us (younger players) have got some games under our belt.”
Dean highlighted the positive energy brought by the team’s younger members and the absence of scars from previous defeats, “It feels like we don’t have as many scars in the group from games in previous (Ashes) and we’re coming through with a bit more of a fresh attitude towards the challenge that the Aussies bring.”
The grueling 2021 Ashes series, played under Covid restrictions, was a tough campaign for England. Despite the setbacks, Dean believes the 2023 home Ashes series built resilience and renewed belief.
“We played for a month-and-a-half, and I don’t think we won a game, so it was a tough tour,” Dean admitted.
“I think that home Ashes summer (in 2023) was really big for us in terms of getting some white-ball results. We didn’t come away with an Ashes win, but it felt like we did a lot of hard work, and a lot of the momentum was with us in that series and hopefully that’s something that we can replicate.”
Acknowledging Australia’s strength, Dean remained optimistic, “We’re very aware that playing in the Aussies’ backyard is going to be a challenge but I think we’re up to it. We feel that we’re closing the gap in our way, they’ve been so dominant over the past 10 years. But we also know that when the Aussies get poked it only spurs them on to do greater things … hopefully we can come at them with the same attitude and energy that we did back at home.”
Dean will once again partner with left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone and leg-spinner Sarah Glenn to challenge Australia’s batting lineup. With their combined experience, the trio hopes to control key phases of the game.
“It’s going to be a big part of the series, trying to get as much from the surface as possible,” Dean explained. “I think if we can control the middle phase of the game like we have done in the past in the white ball (formats), then we should be in the game. Really looking forward to it, we’ve got the best spinner in the world in Eccles, so partnering with her always makes my life easy.”
Reflecting on the previous Ashes, England’s Tammy Beaumont, who etched her name in history as England’s first double-centurion in the longest format with her 208 off 331 at the Trent Bridge during the same series, said, “I think both on and off the field it was just an incredible series. To come back from pretty much to win every single game to draw the series I think we are really proud of ourselves.”
“The trophy came back to Australia so obviously we did not win anything, but we certainly felt like we put on a statement out there that we can go toe to toe with Australia and we can compete and also with our backs against the wall we can show some character and come through,” said Beaumont.
The stage is set for a historic contest. The 2025 Ashes opens with three ODIs on January 12 in Sydney, January 14 in Melbourne, and January 16 in Hobart. Three T20Is followed in Sydney, Canberra, and Adelaide, culminating in a landmark Day-Night Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from January 30 to February 2 — the first women’s Test at the venue in 75 years.
With a squad infused with fresh talent, renewed spirit, and strategic depth, England stands ready for an electrifying battle to reclaim the coveted Ashes trophy.
Loves all things female cricket
