England’s hopes of winning the one-off Women’s Ashes Test took a blow as they lost five wickets in a late collapse on day four.
Starting strongly at 55-0 in pursuit of a target of 268 at Trent Bridge, England found themselves struggling at 73-4, with Ash Gardner of Australia taking three crucial wickets.
At stumps, England stood at 116-5, needing 152 more runs to achieve the highest-ever run chase in women’s Test cricket. Australia had earlier been bowled out for 257, thanks to an outstanding performance by Sophie Ecclestone, who took five wickets for 63 runs, giving her a total of 10 wickets in the match. A victory in the Test match carries four points, which would be shared if the match ends in a draw.
England’s opening pair, Emma Lamb and Tammy Beaumont, made a strong start but were dismissed in quick succession. Nat Sciver-Brunt and captain Heather Knight also fell in quick succession, leaving England in a precarious position. Sophia Dunkley and debutant Danni Wyatt put up a brief fight with a 37-run partnership, but Dunkley was eventually caught behind off Kim Garth.
Earlier, Australia had started the day at 82-0 but suffered a collapse of their own, losing wickets rapidly due to Ecclestone’s brilliance and an improved performance by England’s pace attack. Lauren Filer, in particular, made an impact by taking two wickets before lunch. England, however, missed several catching opportunities throughout Australia’s innings, including a chance to dismiss Alyssa Healy early on.
With England still having batting depth, they will need to maintain their aggressive approach against Australia’s three spinners on a deteriorating pitch that is offering turn and uneven bounce. The outcome of the Test match is slightly in favour of Australia and England will need a remarkable effort to secure victory and keep their hopes alive in the Women’s Ashes series.