With a win in the second ODI, Australia have retained the Women’s Ashes as they lead by eight points to England’s four. Australia have taken an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the three-match ODI series. The third and the final ODI of the series, which will also be the last ODI for both the teams before the World Cup, will be a matter of just academic interest. The match will be played at the Junction Oval in Melbourne on February 8.
Match Preview
Squads
Australia: Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Hannah Darlington, Ashleigh Gardner, Rachael Haynes (VC), Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Meg Lanning (C), Tahlia McGrath, Grace Harris, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Stella Campbell, Beth Mooney
England: Heather Knight (c), Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, Katherine Brunt, Kate Cross, Freya Davies, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Natasha Farrant, Sarah Glenn, Amy Ellen Jones, Natalie Sciver, Anya Shrubsole, Mady Villiers, Lauren Winfield Hill, Danielle Wyatt, Charlotte Dean, Lauren Bell
Players to watch out for
Ellyse Perry:
The star Australian all-rounder was the player of the match in her last encounter against England. Finally, the legend was back in form as she made match-winning contributions with both bat and ball. The right-handed bat mustered 40 off 64 balls and with the ball, she scalped 3-12 in her seven overs of right arm seam.
Tahlia McGrath:
The young all-rounder had a good outing with the ball as she picked up 3-4 in 3.2 overs, including two wickets in one over. With the bat, the right handed middle order batter chipped in with a patient 19 off 30 balls.
Sophie Ecclestone:
Known for her bowling more than her batting, this lower order bat top scored with an unbeaten 32 off 65 balls, including two boundaries and a six. She helped England to go past the 100-run mark in the second ODI against Australia. With the ball, the left arm spinner bowled her full quota of 10 overs and conceded just 20 runs. She was the most economical English bowler.
Kate Cross:
This right arm speedster came in as the first change and pitched in the right areas on a consistent basis. She scalped 2-46 in her eight overs and was the most successful bowler for England. She has had a good ODI series so far and will look to continue with her form going into the third and final ODI.
Pitch
The last match that was played here turned out to be a low-scoring encounter as just over 250 runs were scored in the game. The speedsters had a good time bowling on this wicket as they picked up 11 wickets compared to spinners who accounted for just the three wickets. Batters will have to apply themselves more and spend time in the middle to put runs on board.
Weather
The weather looks good for a complete day of cricket. It is expected to be sunny right through the course of the match. The average temperatures will be between 29 and 31 degrees Celsius. The wind will blow from the southeast in the morning (local) and from the south-southwest in the afternoon (local).
Fantasy playing XI
Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, Meg Lanning, Heather Knight, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Natalie Sciver, Ellyse Perry, Alana King, Kate Cross, Sophie Ecclestone
Match details
Date: February 8, 2022
Time: 4.35am IST
Venue: Junction Oval, Melbourne
Live streaming: Sony LIV
I am a former cricketer having represented Mumbai University at All India University level. I was a part of MCA probables for the U-19 and U-23 age group. I have been an avid cricket writer for the last five years. Currently I am pursuing my Ph.D from IIT Bombay.
