Women Ashes 2025: England’s best playing XI for the ODIs against Australia

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England’s best playing XI for the Women ODIs against Australia

The Women’s Ashes 2025 series is all set to kick off on January 12, in Australia, marking the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling multi-format competition. The series will comprise three One Day Internationals (ODIs), three T20 Internationals (T20Is), and a single Test match, culminating on February 2. The opening phase of the series will feature a three-match ODI series, with the first game taking place at the North Sydney Oval.

The series will showcase top-tier cricket, and England‘s squad for the ODI matches is packed with a blend of experienced players and dynamic talent

England’s best playing XI for the Women ODIs against Australia

1. Maia Bouchier – The reliable opener

Position: Opener
Strength: Bouchier’s role at the top of the order will be crucial in providing a stable foundation for England. Her technical precision and ability to anchor the innings are vital to ensuring a solid start. As one of England’s most dependable openers, Bouchier’s consistency under pressure will be pivotal in setting the tone for the team.

2. Danni Wyatt-Hodge – The aggressive stroke player

Position: Opener
Strength: Complementing Bouchier’s stability, Wyatt-Hodge brings an aggressive and dynamic approach to the opening partnership. Known for her powerful stroke play, Wyatt-Hodge has the ability to accelerate the run rate, making her a key asset in the early overs. Her ability to counter pressure and adapt quickly will be a game-changer for England in the ODI format.

3. Nat Sciver-Brunt – The all-rounder extraordinaire

Position: Batting all-rounder
Strength: Sciver-Brunt is one of England’s most versatile players. As a middle-order batter and medium-fast bowler, she provides both stability and aggression. Sciver-Brunt’s adaptability allows her to play an anchoring role or accelerate the innings when needed. Her wicket-taking ability with the ball further strengthens England’s position in all departments of the game.

4. Heather Knight (c) – The strategic captain

Position: Middle-order batter and captain
Strength: As captain of the side, Knight’s leadership is integral to England’s strategy. Knight’s astute tactical decisions and her all-round skills with both bat and ball make her an indispensable part of the team. Her experience and ability to perform under pressure will be crucial in guiding England through key moments of the Ashes series.

5. Sophia Dunkley – The aggressive middle-order batter

Position: Middle-Order Batter
Strength: Dunkley’s attacking approach adds depth to England’s middle order. Known for her big-hitting capabilities, Dunkley’s ability to take on the bowlers and shift the momentum of the game makes her a vital asset in the middle overs. Her power-hitting skills could prove to be a game-changer when England needs to accelerate the scoring rate.

Also READ: Women’s Ashes 2025: Can England end their 10-year drought against Australia?

6. Amy Jones – The dynamic wicketkeeper batter

Position: Wicketkeeper Batter
Strength: Jones plays a dual role for England as both a wicketkeeper and a batter. Behind the stumps, her quick reflexes and sharp decision-making ensure that the team is always in control. With the bat, Jones is known for her finishing prowess, capable of providing explosive innings towards the end of the innings. Her versatility makes her a key player in England’s line-up.

7. Alice Capsey – The composed all-rounder

Position: All-rounder
Strength: Capsey is one of the most promising young talents in women’s cricket. With her ability to contribute with both bat and ball, she adds balance to England’s lower-middle order. Capsey’s calmness under pressure and her adaptability in different game situations give her the flexibility to play multiple roles, making her a crucial part of the team’s plans.

8. Kate Cross – The seam specialist

Position: Medium-Fast Bowler
Strength: Cross is one of England’s leading seam bowlers, known for her ability to exploit seam-friendly conditions. Her knack for taking crucial wickets and maintaining pressure with her medium-fast bowling will be essential for England’s success, particularly on Australian pitches that offer movement. Cross’s skill in breaking partnerships is a vital asset in England’s bowling strategy.

9. Sarah Glenn – The threatening leg spinner

Position: Leg spin bowler
Strength: Glenn’s leg-spin bowling has become one of the most dangerous weapons in England’s arsenal. With her ability to vary flight and pace, Glenn can outfox batters and create pressure in the middle overs. Her lower-order batting skills further add to her value, making her a multi-dimensional player for the team.

10. Lauren Bell – The breakthrough bowler

Position: Medium-fast bowler
Strength: Bell’s medium-fast bowling and ability to generate movement in the air and off the pitch make her a vital component of England’s bowling attack. Known for her knack for taking key wickets, Bell’s role will be especially important in the middle overs when breaking partnerships becomes crucial to England’s chances of success.

11. Sophie Ecclestone – The master of spin

Position: Spin bowler
Strength: Ecclestone is widely regarded as one of the best spinners in women’s cricket. Her accuracy and ability to control the flow of runs will be critical on Australian pitches, which are known for offering assistance to spin bowlers. Ecclestone’s ability to build pressure and create breakthroughs in the middle overs makes her a cornerstone of England’s bowling line-up.