“The best series ever in women’s cricket history.” The words of Heather Knight following a series that inspired a nation and exceeded all expectations.
Geographically the two teams are 9,442 miles apart, but this Ashes series saw England close the gap on the number one ranked Women’s cricket side. While a record number of people, over 100,000, attended the series, something never seen before in the UK for a women’s series.
The series ended 8-8, with the Ashes returning to Australia, but England dealt the tourists their first bi-lateral series defeat since 2013. Progress? Significantly.
“It was an unbelievable, wasn’t it? It has got to be the best series there has ever been in the history of the women’s game. Two sides going toe to toe, fighting it out and every game has been pretty close.”
Trent Bridge was first up, the second five-day women’s Test in history, with a partisan crowd to boot.
For England, the ever-reliable Sophie Ecclestone took 10 wickets across the game at 19.2, whilst debutant Lauren Filer also impressed with the ball, taking four wickets.
Tammy Beaumont, who has missed out on England duty in recent months, seized her opportunity with a double century, finishing on 208 in the first innings. Australia would walk away victors, picking up the four points, but it was a game that saw momentum ebb and flow.
With little time to dust themselves down, England had to win the white ball series to keep Australia at bay.
Stand up Nat Sciver-Brunt. Amassing over 300 runs across both series, it is no surprise to see the 30-year-old top the ODI batter rankings.
A new era of England Women’s bowlers delivered, led by Lauren Bell who took 11 wickets across the who series. Supported by the spin duo of Sarah Glenn and Ecclestone, the attack caused Australia problems throughout.
While crowds grew at every IT20 fixture, with record after record broken. All three ODIs were also sold out.
England will look back at this series thinking it was one that got away, but it’s no mean feat claiming two trophies against the world number one.
Jon Lewis’ side will take time to reflect, but the Three Lions can be proud of the impact they’ve had. Record breaking crowds, sold out series and a new generation of cricketers inspired, here’s to 2024.
England Women will return to Edgbaston on Saturday 11 May when Pakistan visit Birmingham. Fans can register their interest now and be the first to enter the Ballot.
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