Hosts Australia, with back-to-back wins in low-scoring games against England, have clinched the 3-match One Day International (ODI) series with one game still to be played. The final ODI is scheduled for the 17th of January 2025, at Bellerive Oval, Hobart, starting at 4:35 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Australia further strengthened their head-to-head record against England, 60 wins to 24, and secured the ongoing ODI series, but the visitors still have much to play for in the multi-format Ashes series. With one ODI, three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), and a Test match to follow, a total of 12 points are up for grabs. Australia currently leads the series 4-0, with England needing crucial wins to bounce back and stay alive.
Squads:
Australia women’s cricket team
Alyssa Healy (C), Tahlia McGrath (VC), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
England women’s cricket team
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:
Alyssa Healy
The 34-year-old keeper-batter has amassed 3,183 runs from 102 ODI innings, at an average of 34.98, and registered the highest score of 170. Alyssa has displayed fine form of late, registering scores of 34 and 39 against New Zealand in a recent series, and followed up her solid 70 from this series opener with a 29 in her most recent outing. The seasoned batter can be relied upon to step up with substantial scores.
Megan Schutt
The 32-year-old pacer has scalped 132 wickets from 98 ODIs, including the best of 5/19, maintaining an economy rate of 4.16, and can be handy with the bat on a few occasions. Though Megan finished wicketless in the two ODIs against New Zealand and this series opener, she has been economical, and in her most recent outing, returned figures of 1/27 (9.1). The veteran pacer can be trusted for breakthroughs.
Heather Knight
The 34-year-old all-rounder, in ODIs, has racked up 4,023 runs from 141 outings, at an average of 35.28, and has struck 56 wickets from 59 innings, at an economy rate of 4.35, with bests of 106 and 5/26. Heather, in her recent ODI outings, including this series, has recorded scores of 40, 39, and 18, and can be counted on to build on these scores, leading the scoring for her side.
Lauren Filer
The 24-year-old pacer has picked up 23 wickets from 14 ODIs, at an average of 19.86, an economy rate of 5.03, and produced the best of 3/10. Lauren has looked in great rhythm of late, picking 4 wickets from 2 ODIs against South Africa and producing returns of 2/58 and 1/46 in this series so far. Her raw pace has proved rewarding on lively Australian decks, and she would want to continue in this wicket-taking form.
Pitch:
The Bellerive Oval offers a good batting deck, with an average score in the 250s. However, the wicket poses a challenge for batters throughout the game due to its pace-friendly nature, keeping the bowlers in the game.
Weather:
The sunny Hobart skies promise ideal conditions for a complete game, with minimal chance of rain. The temperature will be around 19°C, with moderate winds and 55% humidity.
Fantasy playing XI:
Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Heather Knight, Phoebe Litchfield, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Sophie Ecclestone, Alana King, Kim Garth
Match details:
Date – January 17, 2025
Time – 4:35 AM IST
Venue – Bellerive Oval, Hobart
Broadcast – The game will be telecasted on the Star Sports Network and live streamed on Disney+ Hotstar.
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