The highly anticipated Women’s Ashes series is upon us, and leading up to it, the visiting England team will go up against the Governor-General’s XI, comprising Australia’s emerging and seasoned players, in a 50-over game at the North Sydney Oval, Sydney. The game is scheduled for 4:35 AM Indian Standard Time (IST) on the 9th of January 2025.
Squads:
Governor-General’s XI
Nicole Faltum (C), Charli Knott (VC), Alyssa Healy, Darcie Brown, Heather Graham, Georgia Voll, Samantha Quadrio, Tess Flintoff, Sophie Day, Amy Smith, Milly Illingworth, Anika Learoyd, Rhys McKenna, Tahlia Wilson
England
Heather Knight (C), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge
Players to watch out:
Heather Graham
The 28-year-old all-rounder in the WNCL last season, from 10 outings, amassed 318 runs at an average of 31.80, and from 9 innings, scalped 13 wickets at an economy rate of 4.17. Though Heather hasn’t found much success this domestic season, especially in her most recent T20 campaign, she is a seasoned campaigner and can be relied upon for improved all-round efforts.
Amy Smith
The 20-year-old bowling all-rounder in the 2023-24 WNCL, from 5 outings, struck 8 wickets at an economy rate of 5.51, and also added 103 runs, with respective bests of 5/33 and 57. Amy is a highly promising talent and most recently impressed in a T20 competition, striking 9 wickets from 8 outings. She should be backed to continue this momentum, producing the goods.
Tammy Beaumont
The 33-year-old opening batter, from 114 ODI innings, has racked up 4,204 runs at an average of 41.21, and with 22 fifties and 10 centuries to her name, has registered the highest score of 168*. Tammy has enjoyed a purple patch of late, notching up scores of 150*, 52, 11, 34, and 65* in her previous 5 ODIs. She is an experienced campaigner and can be trusted to lead the scoring.
Charlie Dean
The 24-year-old bowling all-rounder, in ODIs, from 36 outings, has picked up 68 wickets at an economy rate of 4.60, and added 343 runs from 22 innings, with bests of 5/31 and 47*. Charlie has emerged as England’s wicket-taker, returning figures of 1/49, 4/45, and 2/52 in a recent ODI series, highlighted by her hat-trick. She can be relied upon for wickets and handy runs.
Pitch:
The 22-yard strip at North Sydney Oval offers a good batting deck, as reflected in the average score in the 260s. However, the wicket poses a challenge for batters during the middle overs, especially against spinners, while pacers can be effective up front.
Weather:
The temperature is forecasted to be around 23°C, with 75% humidity and moderate winds. Expect a delayed start to proceedings in Sydney, with rain on the radar in the early morning hours, but a complete game as the skies clear.
Fantasy playing XI:
Alyssa Healy, Tammy Beaumont, Georgia Voll, Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Heather Graham, Alice Capsey, Charli Knott, Charlie Dean, Lauren Filer, Sophie Ecclestone
Match details:
Date – January 9, 2025
Time – 4:35 AM IST
Venue – North Sydney Oval, Sydney
Broadcast – The game will be live streamed on Foxtel and Kayo.
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