England Women’s recent achievements across sports, A source of inspiration for the home side ahead of the Ashes.
We are in for an exciting 2nd half of the week as the highly anticipated Women’s Ashes are set to commence on Thursday, 22nd June 2023. The majority of the players in the England squad will be having their first experience of getting involved in a high-voltage series like the Ashes.
Even though a strong Australian side, despite the absence of their regular skipper Meg Lanning, start as slight favorites, the underdogs England could spring up a surprise with their spirited performance, and pave the way for the younger generation to take up the sport.
One of the reasons for all excitement surrounding the Women’s Ashes is the fact that for the first time ever a women’s Test match will see an almost sell-out crowd with over 11,000 tickets sold for the one-off Test at the Trent Bridge. Further, to add to the excitement the match will extend over a period of five days in an attempt to ensure a result. When these sides met last time around in a Test match they were involved in a hard-fought draw.
England skipper Heather Knight scored an unbeaten century (168) in their first innings. She was also the pick of the bowlers as she picked up 8 wickets giving away just 84 runs in 30 overs across the two innings, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings. Her all-round show played a crucial role in helping England hang on for a draw.
“I think for us as a team, we are so inspired by what the Lionesses did last summer and it has really brought us together to try and inspire and entertain the next generation” Sophia Dunkley on her side being inspired by the recent achievements of the English women’s side across other sports.
Skipper Heather Knight is the most experienced player in the side having played 10 Test matches so far. Once again the onus will be on the skipper alongside the likes of Tammy Beaumont, Danielle Wyatt, and Nat Sciver Brunt in the batting unit. As far as the bowling unit is concerned, the likes of Kate Cross, Issy Wong, and Sophie Ecclestone will hold the key.
(Quotes sourced from Sky Sports)
