England's most effective format is T20. This sentiment has echoed throughout the Women's Ashes series thus far. With Australia being the more formidable team and the series commencing with the 50-over format, where they excel, this notion has been reiterated by England supporters and media alike, eager for a competitive narrative.
It even appeared in the television preview for the first T20 match at the SCG. As England suffered consecutive losses in the one-day internationals, the insistence on T20 as their strength began to sound increasingly desperate, akin to statements like "I can stop anytime" or "I'm okay to drive."
The challenge for England is that even if T20 is their preferred format, they must compete against a nation that has clinched six T20 World Cups. In Sydney, England's lineup featured no batter with a career strike rate exceeding 130.
In contrast, Australia showcased talents like Phoebe Litchfield, Annabel Sutherland, Tahlia McGrath, Grace Harris, and Georgia Wareham. Even without their captain, Alyssa Healy, and standout performer from the last match, Ash Gardner, Australia maintained their momentum. If T20 is indeed England's forte, it seems every format is Australia's strong suit.
The outcome was yet another decisive victory for Australia, securing the Ashes trophy in a clean sweep. Batting first allowed Australia to amass 198 runs, while England was bowled out for 141. Although Sophia Dunkley showed some resistance with the bat, she could not carry the team alone. Australia's current challenge stems from their own success, particularly in maintaining interest in the upcoming MCG Test.
While Australia boasts established stars, another notable distinction between the teams was the emergence of fresh talent. Glenn Maxwell has dazzled with his reverse hits in recent Big Bash matches, but Litchfield's performance in Sydney raises the question of whether there has been a more impressive display in international women's cricket. Advancing down the pitch and reaching for a wide delivery from Sarah Glenn, the left-hander skillfully adjusted her grip on the bat handle.
The complete switch transformed her into a perfect replica. Then came the sharp crack of the bat connecting with what had become a right-handed slog sweep, rendering the distance to the boundary irrelevant as it soared toward the stands at the SCG.
This followed a remarkable display by fellow newcomer Georgia Voll, who struck three consecutive boundaries, scoring 21 runs off 11 balls in her T20 debut as an opener. Meanwhile, England struggled, dropping catches and allowing overthrows. Voll's physicality suggests strength, while Litchfield's agility indicates speed; despite both scoring only in the 20s, England appeared to be faltering. Among their newer players, Maia Bouchier seemed overwhelmed at the top of the order, Charlie Dean struggled to contribute as an all-rounder, and Freya Kemp faced just six deliveries before the team was dismissed.
The only spark for England came from Dunkley, who provided much-needed momentum after being sidelined for the ODIs, striking clean shots through cover to score 59 off 30 balls. However, every strategy employed by Australia proved effective. This was the first time since 2013 that an Australian team played without both Healy and Gardner, yet their absence was hardly felt.
McGrath, stepping in as captain, smashed 26 runs off nine balls to finish the innings, then took on bowling duties, dismissing Dunkley by hitting her leg stump. Beth Mooney adapted to her role as wicketkeeper and a new opening partner, transforming from a steady ODI player to a dynamic T20 contributor with 75 runs off 51 balls. Alana King, recalled after nearly two years, could not be overlooked following her outstanding ODI series, and she partnered with Wareham to claim five wickets.
The ball turned and kept low, leaving England's senior players once again without solutions.
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Australia has demonstrated all the necessary elements, while England has little time to regroup before the upcoming T20 matches on Thursday and Saturday. The format is unpredictable, but England will need something extraordinary from individual players to secure their first points.
Theoretically, they still have a chance to tie the series on points, as they have done twice before.
