Australia clean-swept the One Day International (ODI) series against England 3-0, extending their lead to 6-0 in the ongoing multi-format Ashes series. England is aiming to find momentum in the Twenty20 (T20s) to stay alive in the series, and the series opener is scheduled for the 20th of January 2025 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, starting at 1:45 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
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Squads:
Australia women’s cricket team
Alyssa Healy (C), Tahlia McGrath (VC), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Grace Harris, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
England women’s cricket team
Heather Knight (C), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Linsey Smith, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge
Players to watch out:
Grace Harris
The 31-year-old all-rounder, from 32 T20I outings, has accumulated 517 runs at an average of 21.54 and a strike rate of 153.86, while also picking 9 wickets from 13 innings, maintaining an economy rate of 5.74. In a recent T20 competition, Grace accumulated 277 runs at a strike rate of 133.17 from 12 outings, and in her most recent outing, scored 140 runs. She can be counted on to deliver the goods.
Georgia Wareham
The 25-year-old leg-spinner, from 59 T20Is, has scalped 63 wickets at an economy rate of 6.12, and from 23 innings, has posted 250 runs at a strike rate of 138.88. In her only appearance in this series, the 3rd ODI, Georgia chipped in, scoring an unbeaten 38 and returning bowling figures of 2/27. She has enjoyed a purple patch of late and can be relied upon for breakthroughs and handy runs.
Alice Capsey
The 20-year-old top-order batter, from 35 T20I innings, has posted 701 runs at a strike rate of 119.62 and registered the highest score of 67*. Alice, in a recent T20 competition in Australia, from 8 outings, managed only 72 runs at a strike rate of 135.84, but she struck 13 wickets at an economy rate of 7.21. She didn’t score many runs in the ODI leg of this series but should be backed to rediscover her form.
Lauren Bell
The 24-year-old pacer, from 27 T20Is, has bagged 35 wickets at an economy rate of 6.98 and recorded the best of 4/12. Lauren has been among the wickets of late and has carried the momentum into this series, recording bowling figures of 1/25, 2/25, and 2/72 in the ODIs. She is a highly promising pacer and can be trusted to continue in this economical and effective form, leading the wickets tally.
Pitch:
The Sydney Cricket Ground dishes out a well-balanced wicket, one that pleases both batters and bowlers. The 22-yard strip offers enough assistance to both pacers and spinners. As a result, the average score at the venue ranges in the 130s.
Weather:
The conditions in Sydney are expected to be pleasant for the game, with clear skies and a minimal chance of rain. The temperature is forecasted to hover around 21°C, with moderate winds and humidity of 52%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Grace Harris, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Ashleigh Gardner, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Sophie Ecclestone, Megan Schutt, Alana King
Match details:
Date – January 20, 2025
Time – 1:45 PM IST
Venue – Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Broadcast – The game will be telecasted on the Star Sports Network and live streamed on Disney+ Hotstar.
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