England’s consecutive wins in the T20I series have injected new life into the ongoing ’23 Women’s Ashes series. With the overall scoreline standing at 4-6 in favor of Australia, the upcoming 3-match One-Day International (ODI) series holds great significance. The final chapter of the ’23 W-Ashes promises to be an exhilarating and dramatic affair, as has been the series so far with all 3 results – a series win for either England or Australia or a draw, still possible.
The opener of the 3-match ODI series is scheduled to be played at The Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol, on the 12th of July, 2023, at 5:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST). This ODI series is a part of the ongoing ICC Women’s Championship (2022/23-25), where Australia, with 3 wins, currently holds the 6th seed, while England, with 3 wins and as many losses out of 6 games, follows closely behind.
Squads:
England – Heather Knight (C), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones (WK), Lauren Filer, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Issy Wong, Danni Wyatt
Australia – Alyssa Healy (C), Tahlia McGrath (VC), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham
Players to watch out:
Tammy Beaumont
The 32-year-old keeper-batter has scored 3505 runs in 103 ODI outings, maintaining an average of 40.75. Her highest score stands at an impressive 168*. Tammy, with successive double-centuries in red-ball cricket, is currently in hot form and recently continued her fine form with an unbeaten 83* in domestic 50-over cricket.
Issy Wong
The 21-year-old pacer in 3 ODIs has struck 4 wickets. With her recent form, including a half-century and figures of 2/37 (7) in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, she would be eager to play in the upcoming ODI opener. Issy was named in the Test, T20Is, and now the ODIs is yet to make her Ashes debut.
Phoebe Litchfield
The 20-year-old batter made an impressive debut against Pakistan earlier this year, scoring a total of 154 runs in 3 innings, with her highest score being 78*. Although Phoebe did not feature in the T20Is, she showed great promise and looked in excellent form during her red-ball outings.
Georgia Wareham
The 24-year-old leg-spinner in her 21 ODIs outings has claimed 24 wickets at an economy rate of 4.24 and has contributed 58 runs in just 5 innings. Be it in T20Is or A games, Georgia has showcased brilliance throughout the UK tour. With the tour nearing its end, she will aim to finish on a high note, continuing her exceptional form.
Pitch:
The Seat Unique Stadium in Bristol has traditionally dished batting-friendly surfaces and this time around as well is expected to be no different with an average score in the 240s. The wicket also has enough in it for bowlers, especially the pacers who can change the course of the game.
Weather:
The conditions at The Seat Unique Stadium in Bristol are not very favorable, as there is a high possibility (40%) of rain during the early match hours. However, the weather is expected to clear up for the remainder of the day. The temperature is forecasted to be around 20°C, with light winds and a humidity level of 92%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Heather Knight, Tahlia McGrath, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Ashleigh Gardner, Annabel Sutherland, Sophie Ecclestone, Jess Jonassen, Megan Schutt
Match details:
Date – July 12, 2023
Time – 5:30 PM IST
Venue – The Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol
Broadcast – All games of the series will be live-streamed on Sony Liv and telecasted by Sony Sports Network.