Australia will host England in the only Test match of the Women’s Ashes at the Manuka Oval, Canberra, from Thursday. Following the rain-interrupted T20Is, Australia are leading the multi-format series 4-2. A win in the Test match will ensure they retain the Ashes. England will look to fight hard, but with rain predictions throughout the match, particularly on Saturday, the match could well end in a draw.
Meg Lanning will look to benefit from familiar conditions and a strong squad. The team should be motivated by Beth Mooney, who will play despite having broken her jaw 10 days ago. She will be on a liquid diet throughout the Test match, but that has not kept her away.
With Mooney and Rachael Haynes available, Alyssa Healy will probably bat down the order. Ellyse Perry's omission for the T20Is was a talking point, but she is back for the format where she has scored more than 400 runs in her last three innings. Perry and Tahlia McGrath will be the pace-bowling all-rounders, who will provide support to Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown and Stella Campbell in the helpful conditions.
England have a number of experienced players in Nat Sciver, Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Anya Shrubsole, and captain Heather Knight. Brunt and Shrubsole will lead the bowling attack, while Sophie Ecclestone may have to bowl long spells. Lauren Winfield-Hill will open with Beaumont as Knight, Sciver and Amy Jones will be the key players in their batting lineup.
Fantasy Tips:
- Both teams boast of some great contemporary all-rounders. Perry, McGrath, Gardner, Dunkley should be key picks. They are expected to contribute with both bat and ball.
- The top orders for both teams have some experienced players, including the two wicketkeepers (pick both).
- Campbell, Brown, Shrubsole, Ecclestone are expected to bowl long and provide key breakthroughs.
Likely XIs
Australia: Beth Mooney, Alyssa Healy (wk), Rachael Haynes, Meg Lanning (c), Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Jess Jonassen, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown, Stella Campbell
England: Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Heather Knight (c), Nat Sciver, Amy Jones (wk), Sophia Dunkley, Katherine Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Kate Cross, Anya Shrubsole
Fantasy XI
Alyssa Healy, Amy Jones; Meg Lanning, Heather Knight, Nat Sciver; Elyssa Perry, Tahlia McGrath, Sophia Dunkley; Darcie Brown, Stella Campbell, Anya Shrubsole
Prediction
Draw