Most of Day 3 of the only Women's Ashes Test was affected by the unseasonal rain in Canberra. Less than 24 overs of play was possible – thankfully, of the highest order. England eventually reached 297, shrinking Australia's first-innings lead to 40. Heather Knight, the star of the innings, got 168 of these, and remained unbeaten. She added exactly 100 with Sophie Ecclestone and 28 more with Kate Cross. Knight's score is the second-highest by a woman against Australia, after Rachael Heyhoe-Flint's 176.
Katherine Brunt then produced a peach to have Alyssa Healy caught behind. Healy got a pair, and Rachael Haynes did little better, when Brunt snared her for four. Australia went to lunch on 12/2, with a lead of just 52. It looked like England would put the pressure back under cloudy, helpful conditions for their seamers, but rain ruled out any chance of play in the last two sessions.
According to the revised playing conditions, play will start early, and 107 overs will be bowled on the final day. But the weather forecast does not look good, and, in all probability, this Test match will end in a draw. If that happens, Australia will maintain their lead.
With little chance of a win, Australia will look to bat out most of the Day 4. However, if Brunt, Anya Shrubsole, and others can get early wickets, particularly of Meg Lanning or Ellyse Perry, England can put Australia under pressure.
Fantasy tips
- The Australian batters – Mooney, Lanning, Perry, McGrath, Gardner – will be key picks.
- Similarly, English bowlers like Brunt, Shrubsole, Sciver, Cross, Ecclestone will be in focus.