Table of Contents
In a significant push for the future of women’s cricket, Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner and England’s opening batter Tammy Beaumont have called for a restructuring of the Women’s Ashes format to include more Test matches. This proposal has sparked discussions on enhancing the competitive nature and narrative of one of cricket’s most storied rivalries.
Notably, the 2025 Women’s Ashes will maintain its seven-match format, featuring a historic day-night Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as the concluding match. The series is set to commence on January 12, 2025.
The call for expansion
Both Gardner and Beaumont have voiced their support for extending the Women’s Ashes to a format that would include three Test matches, in addition to the current three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Their vision would see the series expand to nine matches, significantly increasing the exposure and intensity of the competition.
Ashleigh Gardner pushes for multi-Test Women’s Ashes despite logistical hurdles
Gardner, known for her pivotal performances in previous Ashes series, including her match-winning spell in the 2023 Test at Trent Bridge, has expressed that a single Test match feels more like a novelty than a true contest. She believes that a series of three Tests would not only test the teams’ endurance and strategy but also provide fans with a more engaging storyline through the series. However, she acknowledges the logistical challenges, citing Australia’s busy cricketing calendar, yet remains optimistic about the potential for change over the next few years.
“I would just love to play more Test cricket against England. Playing the one Test feels like a bit of a novelty at times. We have really good white-ball games against England and other teams around the world, but the way that our teams match up, it would be a really cool Test series,” said Gardner as quoted by Sky Sports.
Also READ: No Sophie Molineux as Australia unveils ODI and T20I squads for the 2025 Women’s Ashes
Tammy Beaumont backs longer Women’s Test series to foster rivalries and memorable clashes
Beaumont, who scored a historic 208 in the 2023 Ashes Test, agrees with Gardner, emphasizing the narrative and rivalry that could develop over a longer series. She draws parallels with the men’s cricket, where extended Test series have led to memorable clashes and deep rivalries. Beaumont highlighted her love for Test cricket, particularly the duel between openers and bowlers, which she feels is underrepresented in the current format.
“I completely agree with Ash, I would love to see three, three, three. The best thing about the Ashes is the narrative, the rivalry, how it builds over time,” said Beaumont.
Also READ: England unveil 2025 Women’s Ashes squads for Australia tour
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
