Australia won the Women's Ashes 2022/23 series with a five-wicket win against England in the second ODI, in Melbourne.
England reached 40/1 after 10 overs after Meg Lanning asked them to bat. They then lost six wickets for 28 runs and slumped to 68/7 in 25.4 overs. Amy Jones (28) and Sophie Ecclestone (32*) helped England avoid the humiliation of a two-digit score, but they were eventually bowled out for 129 in 45.2 overs.
For Australia, Ellyse Perry returned 3-12 in seven overs, and Tahlia McGrath ended with impressive figures of 3-4 in 3.2 overs. Jess Jonassen (2-25), Alana King (1-23), and Annabel Sutherland (1-44) shared the other wickets.
In response, England reduced Australia to 18/2 and then 49/3, with Lanning bowled by Kate Cross without scoring. But Perry, whose form has been under scrutiny, starred with bat as well, scoring a 64-ball 40, with five fours and a six. She got support from Ash Gardner, who remained unbeaten on a 34-ball 31, to help Australia reach the target with 14.4 overs to spare.
With just one ODI remaining, Australia now lead the multi-format series 10-4. The last ODI will be played at the same venue, on 8 February.
England 129 in 45.2 overs (Sophie Ecclestone 32*; Tahlia McGrath 3-4) lost to Australia 131/5 in 35.2 overs (Ellyse Perry 40; Kate Cross 2-46) by 5 wickets with 88 balls to spare. Player of the Match: Ellyse Perry.