England’s opening batswoman Tammy Beaumont chalked up a significant 201 from 238 balls during the previous week’s preparatory match.
England is set on shaking things up as they prepare to face Australia in the Women’s Ashes, according to team captain Heather Knight.
The series kicks off this coming Thursday, with England determined to defeat the dominant Australian team and secure an Ashes victory for the first time since 2014.
During a warm-up match against Australia A, England posted a remarkable 650 in 118.2 overs, while England A confronted the full strength Australian team with 562 in 115.1 overs in another practice game.
“A multitude of factors have to align for us to conquer them,” Knight admitted.
“With the Australian team being so formidable, we need to be game changers, approach things with novelty and strive to think creatively. We, as a team, have faith in our abilities to do so. It’s a thrilling prospect.”
The Underrated Ashes Series of 2005 – When We Were Mistaken for WAGs
Australia boasts an impressive track record, having remained undefeated in four Ashes series and securing both the 50 and 20-over World Cup titles along with last year’s Commonwealth Games gold.
The multi-faceted series begins next week with a five-day Test at Edgbaston.
Knight noted that there are “parallels” between their planned strategy and the aggressive playstyle adopted by England’s men’s team in the last 12 months under the leadership of captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum.
Jon Lewis, England’s women’s coach, previously served as a bowling coach for Stokes’ team before he succeeded Lisa Keightley last year.
“Observing the revolutionary change in the men’s teams has been thoroughly enjoyable,” Knight shared with BBC Test Match Special.
“The most substantial transformation has been psychological. Lewy was present in the dressing room when it took place.
“As a team, we perform best when we have absolute clarity and freedom in our actions.”
‘Sophie Ecclestone Left Me Unanswered’
Australian captain Meg Lanning will sit out this series due to health issues, with wicketkeeper-batswoman Alyssa Healy stepping in to lead the team.
The squad will also be without experienced opening batswoman Rachael Haynes due to her retirement, a loss mirrored by England with the retirement of bowler Katherine Sciver-Brunt.
Healy acknowledged the “uncertainties” that both teams will face.
“The anticipation is that there will be some unpredictability in this English team and genuine enthusiasm,” she stated.
“We have been familiar with England’s style for a considerable duration. There are uncertainties on our end as well.
“I’ve previously referred to the men’s Ashes series as a clash of the titans, whereas the women’s is a showcase of emerging talent. I anticipate we’ll witness the future stars of women’s cricket truly excel.”
Players from England and Australia are increasingly collaborating in local white-ball tournaments like The Hundred, Australia’s Big Bash, and India’s Women’s Premier League.
Still, Healy asserts that the competitive spirit of the Ashes is far from diminished.
“Participating together only fuels the friendly rivalry,” Healy said. “There hasn’t been much trash talk in the women’s game.
“Sophie Ecclestone ignored my message the other day, so the ball has already started rolling. I don’t anticipate the intensity of the contest will be any less than usual.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Women’s Ashes 2023
Q: What is the Women’s Ashes series?
A: The Women’s Ashes series is a cricket tournament played between England and Australia women’s cricket teams. It is a multi-format series consisting of Test matches, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
Q: When does the Women’s Ashes 2023 series begin?
A: The Women’s Ashes 2023 series begins on Thursday with a five-day Test match at Edgbaston.
Q: Has England ever won an Ashes series against Australia in women’s cricket?
A: Yes, England has won an Ashes series against Australia in women’s cricket. Their last victory came in 2014, and they are aiming to win the series once again in 2023.
Q: Who is the captain of the England women’s cricket team?
A: The captain of the England women’s cricket team is Heather Knight.
Q: Who will be leading the Australian team in the Women’s Ashes 2023 series?
A: Meg Lanning, the regular captain of the Australian women’s cricket team, will miss the series due to medical reasons. Alyssa Healy will lead the Australian side in her absence.
Q: What approach does England plan to take against Australia in the series?
A: England aims to be “disruptors” and do things differently against the dominant Australian team. They want to think outside the box and employ tactics that can challenge and overcome Australia’s strengths.
Q: Are there any changes in the teams since the last Ashes series?
A: Yes, there have been some changes in both teams. Australia will be without their captain Meg Lanning due to medical reasons, and they have also lost veteran opener Rachael Haynes to retirement. England, on the other hand, will miss the services of seamer Katherine Sciver-Brunt, who has also retired.
Q: Is there a friendly rivalry between the players from England and Australia?
A: Yes, players from England and Australia often collaborate in various domestic white-ball tournaments. While they share camaraderie off the field, there is still a competitive edge in the Ashes series, and friendly banter between the players adds to the excitement of the contest.
More about Women’s Ashes 2023
- Women’s Ashes
- Heather Knight – England Cricket
- Meg Lanning – Australia Cricket
- Alyssa Healy – Australia Cricket
- Ashes Series – Women’s Cricket – Wikipedia
- Women’s Cricket – England vs Australia – BBC Sport
- England Women’s Cricket Team – Official Website
- Australia Women’s Cricket Team – Official Website
- The Hundred – Official Website
- Big Bash League – Official Website
- Women’s T20 Challenge – Wikipedia
1 comment
heather knight is a great leader for the england team. hope they disrupt australia’s game plan! #gamechangers