Women's Ashes 2025: Ash Gardner and Alana King star as hosts seal ODI clean sweep

In the third and final Women's One Day International (ODI) held in Hobart, England suffered a heavy 86-run defeat to Australia, severely denting their hopes of regaining the Women's Ashes. Despite a strong start that saw England restrict Australia to 59-4, a remarkable recovery, spearheaded by Ash Gardner's brilliant performance, along with half-centuries from Beth Mooney and Tahlia McGrath, saw Australia reach a formidable total of 308-8.

England batted with more bravery and intent than in the previous two matches, but their top order failed to produce a decisive contribution like Gardner. Although four players passed 30, Nat Sciver-Brunt's 61 was the highest score as England were eventually bowled out for 222. Australia now lead the multi-format points series 6-0, and Heather Knight's side must win all three T20 matches (two points each) and the one Test (four points) to regain the Ashes. If the series is drawn, the Ashes will remain with the defending champions, Australia.

While England's failure to chase down 181 in the second ODI was self-inflicted, missing a rare opportunity to capitalize on Australia's vulnerability, this match was another reminder of the world champions' strength and incredible depth. Gardner patiently combined with Mooney to add 95 for the fifth wicket, before adding 103 with McGrath. McGrath hit 55 off 45 balls, while Georgia Wareham, making her series debut, finished with 38 off 12 balls as England conceded 104 runs in the final 10 overs.

During the chase, England kept pace with Australia, needing 120 runs from the final 15 overs, which seemed within reach. However, a quick collapse saw the last six wickets fall for just 22 runs, thanks to Australia's excellent fielding and precise bowling. The T20 series begins at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday, January 20 (08:40 GMT). After two poor batting displays in the series, there is a sense that Australia will not remain quiet for long and a statement performance is imminent.

England's bowlers once again started with excellent discipline, leaving Australia struggling at 46-3 after 10 overs of powerplay. They dismissed openers Phoebe Litchfield and Alyssa Healy for 15 each, while Ellyse Perry was caught down the leg side for just two, and Annabel Sutherland soon followed for 10. However, Gardner and Mooney demonstrated mastery in reading the conditions and handling pressure with their proactive play, adding 95 runs off 107 balls, showcasing excellent running between the wickets and clever use of the sweep against the spinners.

They rarely took risks, with Gardner hitting one six and eight fours in her maiden ODI century, while Mooney hit only four boundaries in her 64. Their platform then allowed the explosive McGrath and Wareham to flourish, and demoralize England, with the former finding form at a crucial moment after a slow start to the series. Sciver-Brunt, Charlie Dean, and Lauren Bell each took two wickets, but it was an unusually poor day for Sophie Ecclestone, who was targeted by the Australians, conceding 76 runs in 10 overs, including 17 in the final over by Wareham. This match highlighted more of Australia's excellence than poor bowling by England, but the manner in which the hosts dominated the game will see them go into the T20 series with immense confidence.

England captain Knight had called for more bravery from her batting lineup after the second ODI, and despite the significant margin of defeat, their intent was vastly improved. They were chasing the highest chase in Women's ODI history, and when Maia Bouchier was easily dismissed in the first over, there were fears of another disappointing collapse. Through Tammy Beaumont's 54 at the top and Sciver-Brunt's 61, England remained in contention, with lively contributions of 35 and 30 from Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Amy Jones, respectively, ensuring the required run rate did not creep beyond their reach.

But if the Australians felt any nerves, they didn't show it. Instead, they stepped up their game, with Litchfield taking a stunning diving catch to dismiss Wyatt-Hodge, Kim Garth removed Jones, and then Gardner added another moment of brilliance to her day, taking a one-handed relay catch from inside the boundary rope. With these catches being breathtaking, Alana King's 5-46 was overlooked, and Wareham added two more crucial wickets to her batting cameo as England lost seven more wickets to spin. England can reflect on a much-improved performance and accept that they were beaten by the best team in the world, but they have no time or option to wallow in disappointment, as their task is now very clear – win, or watch the Ashes remain in Australia for the sixth consecutive time.

"England will be hurting because they had Australia at 59-4. I think there's probably another 5% of ruthlessness that Australia can add. There is a gap, without a doubt." "We've made some improvements, but probably haven't been at our best on the field." "They bat very deep, which makes it hard for us to deal with. We thought with the start we had, we'd put them under pressure, but they had a really good partnership." "I think a change of format will lift the spirits. There'll be some fresh faces coming in, and they'll bring us some energy, and we're looking forward to getting to Sydney."

"We always talk about our depth and taking the game on. We were disappointed with how we batted in Melbourne, and felt we were a bit timid with the bat, letting them bowl at us, so it's about showing good intent, being proactive, and putting the pressure back on England."