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Australia have once again proven their supremacy in women’s cricket by retaining the Ashes with an unassailable 8-0 lead in the multi-format series. Their victory in the first T20I in Sydney sealed the deal, ensuring that England’s wait to reclaim the coveted trophy since their last triumph in 2014 continues.
Last chance for England in the Women’s Ashes 2025
The hosts have been relentless, winning all four matches so far, and England’s performance has been riddled with missed opportunities and struggles, particularly against Australia’s skilled leg-spinners and their unmatched depth in both batting and fielding. The multi-format series, which began on January 11 and runs until February 2, 2025, features three ODIs, three T20Is, and a one-off Test match. Australia’s commanding victories in the first four games mean that even if England were to win the remaining matches, the best they can do is draw the series 8-8, as they did in the 2023 edition. However, given their current form, England could be more concerned about avoiding a humiliating whitewash.
England’s struggle in the series: A tale of missed opportunities
England arrived in Australia with high hopes, especially after drawing the 2023 Ashes series. However, their campaign has unraveled due to a combination of Australia’s dominance and England’s inability to capitalize on crucial moments. In the first T20I in Sydney, a valiant effort from Sophia Dunkley, who displayed a spectacular burst of hitting, was not enough to prevent Australia from securing a 57-run victory.
This loss encapsulated England’s struggles, as they have shown flashes of competitiveness but failed to sustain their intensity throughout the matches. The series has highlighted glaring weaknesses in England’s lineup, including their vulnerability against leg-spin and a lack of consistency in key moments. Captain Heather Knight’s team has been competitive in patches but has repeatedly succumbed to Australia’s superior all-around performance, leaving them disconsolate after each game.
Also READ: Alex Hartley accuses Sophie Ecclestone and England team of giving her cold shoulder after Women’s Ashes 2025 loss
The multi-format structure: Australia’s stronghold since 2015
Unlike the Men’s Ashes, which consists solely of Test matches, the Women’s Ashes adopts a multi-format structure. Each victory in the white-ball games – ODIs and T20Is – earns two points, while a Test win is worth four points. The one-off Test match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground later in the series will be a day-night affair, adding a layer of intrigue. In the event of a draw or tie, teams share the points.
Australia have been the dominant force in this format since 2015, having retained the Ashes in every edition since then. Their record includes two 12-4 victories in 2019 and 2021, and an 8-8 draw in England in 2023, where they still managed to keep the trophy. With a string of consistent performances, Alyssa Healy’s side has shown remarkable cohesion and depth, ensuring their stranglehold on the Ashes remains unbroken.
England’s fight for redemption
Although the Ashes are now out of reach, England still has an opportunity to salvage pride and gain momentum in the remaining matches. The second T20I in Canberra on January 23 offers a chance for Knight and her team to get on the board and demonstrate their resilience. The one-off Test match at the MCG, a venue steeped in cricketing history, also provides a platform for England to make a statement and prepare for future challenges.
For England, this series is a harsh reminder of the gap that still exists between them and Australia. To reclaim the Ashes in the future, they will need to address their weaknesses, develop counter-strategies against Australia’s spinners, and find ways to close out matches in high-pressure situations. While the 2025 series may seem like a missed opportunity, it could serve as a stepping stone for England to rebuild and challenge their arch-rivals in the years to come.
Also READ: AUS vs ENG, Women’s Ashes 2025: Broadcast and Live Streaming details – When and Where to watch in India, Australia, USA, UK and other countries
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
