Roar Guru
It’s the final ODI of the Women’s Ashes as Australia attempt to make it three on the trot against a down, but dangerous England team. Join The Roar for live scores and blogs from the third ODI at Coff’s Harbour this Sunday from 10:15am (AEDT).
Australia are halfway to retaining the Ashes, with two consecutive wins against the reigning World Champions to kick off their Ashes defence. While the Aussies were shaky in the first ODI, they showed no signs of streakiness in the second, smashing England with both bat and ball.
Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry and Nicole Bolton all made strong half-centuries, supporting captain Rachel Haynes as she hammered 89 from 56 balls, the Australians racking up 6/296.
With the ball, the Australians were just as ruthless, bowling out England for just 209, with Megan Schutt picking up 4/26 in a scintillating display of swing bowling.
The game was not without drama and controversy, however, with Ash Gardner ruled out with concussion on the morning of the game, with Kristen Beams replacing her.
Controversy erupted midway through the England innings, with superstar Ellyse Perry having trouble finding her grip on the ball, beaming captain Heather Knight twice in succession to find herself out of the attack.
It did not seem to deter the Aussies, though, who went on to win by a commanding 75 runs, via the DLS system.
The victory means Australia go up four points in the series, with only a further four needed to retain the Ashes.
Players To Watch
England: Tammy Beaumont
The English opener has had two games to forget this tour. She is an aggressive batsmen, and can take it to the Australian attack, given some luck. She is eventually going to find her touch, and when she does, watch out.
Australia: Amanda-Jade Wellington
The South Australian leg-spinner has been a handful for England over the past two matches. She has bowled with dip, turn and flight, and has been relatively unlucky not to pick up more wickets. Her luck will eventually turn around, and if it is this game, she should be a major problem for England, not just for the 3rd ODI, but the remainder of the series.
Can Australia make it three on the trot? Or will England bite back and register their first win of the tour? Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 10:15am (AEDT).