Ashleigh Gardner’s remarkable display of skill and resilience on the final day of the Women’s Ashes Test at Trent Bridge propelled Australia to an 89-run victory over England. Gardner’s heroic performance, which included a crucial run-out and a stunning eight-wicket haul in the innings, proved to be the turning point that secured a vital four points for Australia in the series.
In a pivotal moment, Gardner’s arm ball deceived Amy Jones; despite nursing fractures to her fingers sustained during the warm-up match, Healy exhibited her unwavering determination to execute the dismissal. Gardner’s impact did not end there, as she went on to claim a phenomenal 8 for 66 in the innings, securing a total of 12 wickets in the match. Her exceptional figures not only established a new record for the best Women’s Test bowling performance for Australia but also rank as the second-best overall.
Jones’s early dismissal, having scored just 4 runs, left Danni Wyatt as England’s sole recognized batter. With 117 runs still needed to achieve the highest successful run chase in Women’s Test history, Wyatt displayed resilience and reached her half-century on debut. However, her efforts proved insufficient as she became Gardner’s final victim, dismissed lbw for 54. England now faces the daunting task of winning five of the remaining six white-ball games to reclaim the Ashes, a feat they have not achieved since 2013-14.
Gardner had already made a significant impact on the previous evening by dismissing key batswomen Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight, and Nat Sciver-Brunt, claiming three wickets for just nine runs in a remarkable spell. On the final morning, she continued to dominate with impeccable line and length outside off stump.
Sophie Ecclestone, who played a crucial role in keeping England in contention throughout the match with her 10-wicket haul, fell to Gardner’s delivery. Gardner continued her assault, dismissing Lauren Filer for a duck. Wyatt, attempting a sweep, fell prey to Gardner’s accuracy, getting trapped lbw. In England’s first innings, Gardner had already claimed 4 for 99, limiting England’s lead to a mere 10 runs.
Australia had set England a target of 268 for victory, aided by impressive half-centuries from Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healy, who broke a streak of three consecutive Test ducks. The target would have surpassed England’s record for the highest fourth-innings total of 245 for 9 achieved during last year’s thrilling draw.
🏆 CHAMPIONS 🏆
🇦🇺 Australia win the Ashes Test by 89 runs!!#CricketTwitter #Ashes2023 pic.twitter.com/phjuz57yUF
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) June 26, 2023
However, Gardner’s exceptional performance ensured that Australia emerged victorious, breaking a streak of six consecutive draws in women’s Tests since 2015. This enthralling match showcased the value of playing over five days rather than four, serving as a testament to the excitement and drama that can unfold in Test cricket. Overall, Ashleigh Gardner’s mesmerizing eight-wicket haul propelled Australia to a resounding win in the Women’s Ashes Test, providing a thrilling spectacle for cricket fans worldwide.
Best Bowling Figures in Women's Tests:
8-53 Neetu David 🇮🇳 v ENG Jamshedpur 1995
8-66 Ash Gardner 🇦🇺 v ENG Nottingham 2023#CricketTwitter #Ashes2023 pic.twitter.com/F5jb8ukUcP— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) June 26, 2023
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