The Women's Ashes begins on 20 January,with a T20I at Adelaide Oval. Like their male counterparts, England Women did not have a great build-up to the Ashes. The Covid-19 break in the camp forced the players to undergo self-isolation, and one of their warm-up matches were affected by the rain. They also lost to England A in both warm-up matches.
England lost the Ashes 4-12 in 2019, but had managed to secure a 8-8 draw on their last tour to Australia, in 2017/18.
However, since their agonising exit from the ICC T20 World Cup 2020, also in Australia, England have won 12 and lost only two T20Is.
Anya Shrubsole and Katherine Brunt will lead the fast bowling attack, while Sophie Ecclestone, who picked up seven wickets in a warm-up game, will be the lead spinner of the side. Nat Sciver scored 75 and took three wickets as well. Lauren Winfield-Hill and Tammy Beaumont are likely to open the innings, followed by Sciver, Heather Knight, and Amy Jones.
As far as Australia are concerned, they will be without Beth Mooney, who fractured her jaw during a training session. Mooney's absence will force Australia to promote Rachael Haynes up the order with Alyssa Healy. Meg Lanning, Ashleigh Gardner, and Ellyse Perry form the much-vaunted middle order.
Australia will also miss Georgia Wareham and Sophie Molineux. Jess Jonassen and Alana King, whose inclusion ahead of Amanda-Jade Wellington has raised a few eyebrows, will be the main spinners for the side.
Playing XI:
Australia: Alyssa Healy (wk), Rachael Haynes, Meg Lanning (c), Ashleigh Gardner, Ellyse Perry, Tahlia McGrath, Nicola Carey, Jess Jonassen, Tayla Vlaeminck, Hannah Darlington, Megan Schutt
England: Lauren Winfield-Hill, Tammy Beaumont, Natalie Sciver, Heather Knight (c), Amy Jones (wk), Sophia Dunkley, Katherine Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Anya Shrubsole, Kate Cross
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Heather Knight and Katherine Brunt are must-haves for your fantasy team.
- Among fast bowlers, pick Anya Shrubsole and Megan Schutt.
Fantasy XI:
Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning, Jess Jonassen, Rachael Haynes, Ellyse Perry (c), Heather Knight (vc), Katherine Brunt, Ashleigh Gardner, Megan Scutt, Sophie Ecclestone, Anya Shrubsole