Women’s Ashes: Australia on the brink of series win against England after 86-run win in third ODI in Hobart | Cricket news

A scintillating batting display put Australia on the brink of retaining the Women’s Ashes with an 86-run win over England in the third and final ODI.

Ashleigh Gardner’s barnstorming effort of 102 from as many balls helped push the hosts to 308 in Hobart as England were bowled out for 222 in reply.

England’s third straight defeat leaves them 6-0 down in the multi-format series and they need to win their three remaining T20s and a Test match to reclaim The Ashes.

England’s bowlers made a strong start to the game, Lauren Bell claiming the wicket of danger woman Ellyse Perry for just two runs to leave the hosts under pressure at 46-3.

But half-centuries from Beth Mooney and Tahlia McGrath and Gardner’s superb century turned the tide of the game, ultimately setting up a daunting tally for England to chase.

The visitors went to the milestone unaided, with Maia Bouchier opening the match for a duck, but 54 from Tammy Beaumont and 61 from Nat Sciver-Brunt kept England’s hopes alive.

However, those dreams were quickly dashed, with the dismissal of Danni Wyatt-Hodge on 200-5, quickly followed by Alice Capsey’s duck.

England managed just 21 runs from then and Gardner capped off her excellent performance with the bat with a sensational juggle on the boundary to remove Sophie Ecclestone as Australia ended their clean sweep of ODI victories.

‘I misjudged’ – Gardner’s spectacular catch in pictures

“I actually misjudged it, obviously, because I took it with one hand.

So I guess knowing where the rope is behind me and getting my legs to throw the ball back is one of those things that you don’t necessarily have to practice a lot, but you have to let your instincts take over in those moments.

– Fortunately, I managed to do it.

Women’s Ashes 2025 schedule

All dates and times UK and Ireland

• First ODI: Saturday, January 11 – North Sydney Oval – Australia won by four wickets
• Other ODIs: Monday 13 January – Junction Oval, Melbourne – Australia won by 21 runs
• Third ODI: Thursday 16 January – Ninja Stadium, Hobart – Australia won by 86 runs
• First T20I: 8.40am Monday 20th January – Sydney Cricket Ground
• Second T20I: 8.40am Thursday 23 January – Manuka Oval, Canberra
• Third T20I: 8.10am Saturday January 25 – Adelaide Oval
• Test: 3.30am Thursday 30 January – Sunday 2 February – MCG, Melbourne