In a gripping low-scoring encounter at the Junction Oval in Melbourne, Australia secured a 21-run victory over England to extend their Ashes lead to 4-0. Alana King emerged as the star of the match, delivering a match-winning performance with the ball and helping her team defend a modest total of 180 runs.
A Modest Start: Australia’s Batting Struggles
Australia’s innings began with contrasting contributions from the openers, Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield.
Healy blasted a quickfire 29 off 19 balls, hitting six boundaries, while Litchfield played a more cautious knock, scoring 29 off 64 balls.
Litchfield’s steady approach and Ellyse Perry’s composed 60 provided stability as the duo added 49 runs for the second wicket.
However, England’s bowlers, led by Alice Capsey, turned the game on its head. Capsey dismantled the Australian middle order, claiming the crucial wickets of Perry, Annabel Sutherland, and Ashleigh Gardner in quick succession.
Australia’s dramatic collapse saw them lose eight wickets for just 49 runs, finishing at 180 all out in 44.3 overs. Sophie Ecclestone played a vital role, taking 4 for 35, while Capsey’s 3 for 22 further tilted the momentum in England’s favour.
Early Breakthroughs: Garth Shines with the New Ball
England’s chase started to rocky, with Kim Garth delivering early breakthroughs. She removed both openers within the first six overs, putting England on the back foot at 23/2.
England’s captain, Heather Knight, and all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt attempted to stabilize the innings with a cautious 41-run partnership.
However, their resistance was cut short when Knight gave a simple return catch to Gardner, and Sciver-Brunt became Alana King’s first victim of the day.
Alana King’s Magical Spell
England’s middle order showed glimpses of a fightback, with Amy Jones anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 47 off 103 balls. However, Alana King’s magical spell dashed England’s hopes.
King dismissed Danni Wyatt-Hodge with her first ball and later accounted for Sciver-Brunt. In the 39th over, she struck twice in two balls, removing Charlie Dean and Sophie Ecclestone. This decisive over left England reeling at 153/9, with Jones left to battle alongside the tail.
Australia’s Bowlers Seal the Deal
Kim Garth returned to remove Alice Capsey, who looked promising during her brief stay. King’s brilliance and Garth’s relentless efforts ensured England fell short, being bowled out for 159 in 48.1 overs, as discussed on Bpexch.
Brief Scores
Australia: 180 all out in 44.3 overs (Ellyse Perry 60; Sophie Ecclestone 4-35, Alice Capsey 3-22)
England: 159 all out in 48.1 overs (Amy Jones 47*; Alana King 4-25, Kim Garth 3-37)
Key Takeaways
- Alana King’s Heroics: King’s 4 for 25 was pivotal in dismantling England’s middle and lower order.
- Kim Garth’s All-Round Effort: Garth’s early breakthroughs and key dismissal of Alice Capsey kept Australia in the hunt.
- England’s Collapse: Despite Amy Jones’s valiant effort, England’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure.
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Australia’s thrilling win extended their Ashes lead, showcasing their ability to fight back under challenging conditions. King and Garth emerged as the heroes of the day.
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