The Women’s Ashes One-Off test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which marks the final match of the ongoing multi-format Ashes Series (where Australia leads by 12-0), commenced with Australia taking a significant advantage over England on Day 1.
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England were put to bat as Australia won the toss. They struggled against Australia’s disciplined bowling line up and were dismissed for 170. The innings saw brief moments of resistance, including a solid 50 run partnership between Nat Sciver-Brunt (51 off 129) and Sophia Dunkley (21 off 71), but Alana King’s spell (23-6-45-4) dismantled England’s middle order.
Australia’s response began confidently. Though England managed to pick up an early breakthrough, thanks to Lauren Bell, Australia ended the day at 56 for 1, trailing by 114 runs with nine wickets in hand. Phoebe Litchfield (20*) and Annabel Sutherland (24*) remain unbeaten at the crease, forging a steady 37-run partnership to keep Australia in a strong position.
Highlights from Day 1 Ashes Test:
Alana King (Australia) – 4/45 (23)
Alana King delivered a match-defining spell, finishing with figures of 23-6-45-4. She played a crucial role in breaking England’s partnerships, dismissing Sophia Dunkley (97/4) with a return catch before removing Danni Wyatt-Hodge (127/5) with the help of a sharp grab at silly point. Sophie Ecclestone (131/7) fell attempting an aerial drive, and King claimed her biggest scalp when she bowled Nat Sciver-Brunt (144/8) with a delivery that turned from leg to middle. With Ellyse Perry unable to bowl, King took charge of the bowling attack, maintaining relentless pressure and ensuring Australia’s dominance.
Nat Sciver Brunt (England) – 51 (129)
Brunt came in to bat when England was at 23 for 2 on Day 1 of the Ashes. She played a crucial role in stabilizing the innings, forming vital partnerships of 24, 50 and 30 runs with Heather Knight, Sophia Dunkley, and Danni Wyatt respectively. Sciver-Brunt top-scored for England with 51 runs in 129 balls, including four boundaries. However, she was dismissed by Alana King, who claimed her fourth wicket of the day. Brunt went back on her stumps and was bowled when the ball turned from leg to hit the middle stump as she swatted across the line. With her departure, England was 144/8.
Darcie Brown (Australia) – 2/47 (18) and a runout
Darcie Brown finished with figures of 18 overs, 4 maidens, 47 runs, and 2 wickets on Day 1 of the Test. She made an early impact, dismissing Tammy Beaumont LBW with a length ball that nipped back and looked to hit middle stump. Brown then took the wicket of Lauren Filer, who top-edged a delivery that was caught by Georgia Voll diving up from slip. She also played a key role in the run-out of Lauren Bell, who was unable to make her ground after attempting a cut shot. England was all out for 170.
Kim Garth (Australia) – 2/13 (10)
Kim Garth, with figures of 10 overs, 4 maidens, 13 runs, and 2 wickets, had an impressive performance on Day 1. She took the first breakthrough for Australia, dismissing Maia Bouchier with a back-of-a-length delivery that moved away, forcing Bouchier to edge the ball, which was brilliantly caught by Mooney diving in front of first slip. Garth then trapped Heather Knight LBW with a delivery that held its line, beating the inside edge and hitting the front pad. The umpire’s call confirmed it was a clipping leg, leaving England at 47/3.
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