The Women’s Ashes is the pinnacle of cricket rivalry between Australia and England. It symbolizes decades of history and sporting excellence. The 2025 series, set to commence on January 12 in Sydney, promises another enthralling contest.
Since 2013, the Ashes has been decided using a unique multi-format points system. Four points are awarded for a Test win (two each for a draw), while ODIs and T20Is offer two points per victory. This format has produced thrilling cricket across formats, making every match crucial.
Here’s a year-by-year breakdown of the seven multi-format series since 2013:
2013: England Reclaims the Ashes (England 12 – Australia 4)
The inaugural multi-format Ashes in 2013 was dominated by England. The series began with a drawn Test, where Heather Knight’s 161 runs across both innings stood out. The ODIs were fiercely contested, with Australia taking the first match. England rebounded with Anya Shrubsole’s economical 1/27 in the second ODI and Sarah Taylor’s fiery 64 off 59 balls in the third, winning the ODI series 2-1.
England swept the T20I series 3-0, with Charlotte Edwards’ leadership and consistent performances sealing the deal. The final tally stood at 12 points for England and 4 for Australia.
2014: England’s Narrow Victory (England 10 – Australia 8)
In 2014, the Ashes saw England hold on to the trophy in a closely fought series. England triumphed in the Test match, defeating Australia by 61 runs. Ellyse Perry was a standout performer for Australia, scoring 102 runs and taking 8/79 across the match, but her efforts weren’t enough to turn the tide.
The ODIs and T20Is were fiercely contested. England won the opening matches in both formats, but Australia fought back to win the remaining games in each series, claiming both the ODI and T20I legs 2-1. Despite their late surge, Australia fell just short, with England winning the Ashes 10-8.
2015: Australia Regains the Ashes (Australia 10 – England 6)
The 2015 series marked Australia’s resurgence. The visitors began strong, winning two ODIs before England salvaged a win in the final game. The Test at Canterbury was decisive, with Australia clinching victory. Ellyse Perry’s all-around brilliance shone through again as she scored 264 runs, took 16 wickets, and was named Player of the Series.
England won the T20I series 2-1, but Australia’s dominance in the ODIs and Test gave them a 10-6 victory, regaining the Ashes for the first time in England since 2001.
2017: A Historic Tie (Australia 8 – England 8)
The 2017 series was a milestone with the introduction of the first-ever Day-Night Test. Played under lights in Sydney, it ended in a thrilling draw. Ellyse Perry was once again the star, scoring an unbeaten 213—the first double century in Women’s Ashes history.
Australia claimed the ODI series 2-1, while England fought back in the T20Is, winning the series 2-1. The final points tally of 8-8 reflected the evenly matched sides, with Australia retaining the Ashes as the previous holders.
2019: Australia’s Dominance (Australia 12 – England 4)
The 2019 Ashes saw Australia assert complete dominance. They swept the ODI series 3-0, taking a commanding 6-0 lead in the points system. The Test match at Taunton ended in a rain-affected draw, ensuring Australia retained the Ashes with an unassailable 8-2 lead.
Meg Lanning delivered a masterclass in the T20I series opener, smashing 133* off 63 balls to lead Australia to a 93-run victory. Despite England winning the last T20I, Australia claimed the series 2-1 and finished with a resounding 12-4 points win.
2022: Rain-Interrupted Drama (Australia 12 – England 4)
The 2022 series was filled with drama and rain interruptions. Australia began with a dominant nine-wicket victory in the first T20I, thanks to Tahlia McGrath’s 91* and three wickets. Unfortunately, the next two T20Is were severely affected by weather.
The Test match was a classic, with England needing to chase 257 in 48 overs on the final day. Despite Heather Knight’s brilliant century and a match aggregate of 216 runs, England fell just 12 runs short, ending at 245/9.
Australia swept the ODI series 3-0, with McGrath excelling again, scoring 225 runs and taking 11 wickets. The series ended with Australia winning 12-4 on points.
2023: A Series for the Ages (Australia 8 – England 8)
The 2023 Women’s Ashes was a rollercoaster. Australia took an early lead with an 89-run victory in the Test, courtesy of Ashleigh Gardner’s remarkable 8-wicket haul in the second innings. They extended their lead to 6-0 with a win in the first T20I.
England responded with incredible resilience, winning the next two T20Is to clinch the series. They carried the momentum into the ODIs, winning the opener and leveling the series at 6 points each. Although Australia won the second ODI to retain the Ashes, England’s victory in the decider ensured the series ended in a dramatic 8-8 tie.
2025: Schedule and Anticipation
The 2025 Ashes promises to continue this legacy. Beginning with ODIs in Sydney (January 12), Melbourne (January 14), and Hobart (January 16), followed by T20Is in Sydney (January 20), Canberra (January 23), and Adelaide (January 25), and concluding with the Day-Night Test at the MCG, fans can expect fireworks.
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