Here are the highlights of Day 1 of the one-off Test match between Australia and England in the Women's Ashes at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday (January 30, 2025). This is the concluding rubber of the tour, after three ODIs and as many T20Is. (Streaming | More Cricket News)
pop slots freeThe Aussies have swept all six games so far, running away with 3-0 series victories in the ODI as well as T20I legs. But the visitors are hoping for better fortunes in the classic format, even as the Test assumes historic proportions.
This is the first women's Test in 76 years at the MCG, and the first-ever pink-ball (day-night) Test at the venue. Further, it bears the possibility of the hosts completing a never-seen-before 16-points-to-nil whitewash.
Catch the highlights of Day 1 of the one-off Women's Ashes Test between Australia and England, right here.
Day 1 - StumpsEngland women are all out for 170 runs in their first innings courtesy of Alana King's four-wicket haul. Kim Garth and Darcie Brown also picked up a couple of wickets. Australia lost their opener batter Georgia Voll early but Phoebe Litchfield and Annabel Sutherland are unbeaten at the stumps as the hosts still trail by 114 runs.
Tea Break - End Of First SessionAt tea break on Day 1, Australia are firmly in control, with England at 64/3 after 26 overs. It’s been a challenging session for the English batters. Kim Garth made an early impact, dismissing Bouchier with a beautiful outswinger in the first over. Darcie Brown followed up, sending Beaumont back with an inswinger.
England briefly found some rhythm with Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight, but just before the drinks break, Garth struck again, removing Knight. Since then, England have steadied, but they’re playing at a slow pace, leaving plenty of balls outside off-stump.
Australia have kept up the pressure, giving the English no room to breathe. The second session is approaching – will England dig in, or will Australia tighten the grip?
Toss UpdateAustralia Women have won the toss and opted to bowl first.
Playing XIsEngland Women (Playing XI): Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, Heather Knight(c), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophia Dunkley, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Amy Jones(w), Sophie Ecclestone, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Lauren Filer, Lauren Bell
Australia Women (Playing XI): Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy(c), Annabel Sutherland, Beth Mooney(w), Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Alana King, Kim Garth, Darcie Brown
Pool A will consist of the defending champion Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB – Indian Railways), along with Indian Army – Red, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), Hockey Maharastra and Hockey Unit Of Tamil Nadu (HUTN).
SquadsAustralia Women: Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Tahlia McGrath, Alyssa Healy(w/c), Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Georgia Wareham, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown, Georgia Voll, Kim Garth
England Women: Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, Heather Knight(c), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Amy Jones(w), Charlotte Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Ryana Macdonald Gayhot646, Lauren Filer, Lauren Bell, Bess Heath, Sophia Dunkley