A lot has changed since England’s women last held the Ashes trophy a decade ago. From six UK prime ministers and Brexit to a global pandemic and three Olympic Games, the world has moved forward. Women’s cricket has transformed dramatically as well, evolving from semi-professional setups to robust international and domestic frameworks.
England and Australia now lead the way in women’s cricket, consistently delivering thrilling contests. However, Australia has dominated the silverware. Alyssa Healy’s formidable side holds the 50-over World Cup and has retained the Ashes since 2014. They only lost their T20 crown last year, making them arguably one of the most dominant teams in sport.
England’s trophy cabinet, by comparison, has been sparse. Their last World Cup win came in 2017 at Lord’s. However, the drawn 2023 home Ashes series was a surprising achievement for Heather Knight’s team. England won both the T20 and one-day series in that campaign, a rare feat against the Australians. The disappointment in the Australian camp when they retained the Ashes by default due to the draw was palpable, providing England with confidence ahead of the next series.
Former England bowler Alex Hartley believes this contest will be the most evenly matched in 15 years. “Both teams are as equal as they’ve been in a long time, and England proved last time they can match Australia, which we weren’t expecting,” she said.
The Upcoming Series
The 2024 Ashes series begins with Sunday’s first one-day international and consists of three ODIs, three T20s, and a day-night Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. White-ball matches are worth two points each, while the Test is worth four points. The tight schedule and geographical challenges across Australia make this one of the most grueling Ashes series in history.
England captain Heather Knight acknowledged the physical and mental toll but stressed the importance of momentum. “If we start well and gain momentum, it’ll be hard for the other team to wrestle it back,” she said.
England’s Key Players
England’s Lauren Filer emerged as a star in the 2023 Test series. Known for her raw pace, she stunned Australia by dismissing star all-rounder Ellyse Perry in both innings. Though expensive at times, Filer’s aggressive style provides a crucial wicket-taking option for England. Her recent performances on bouncy South African pitches—topping 75 mph and unsettling batters—highlight her potential impact in Australian conditions.
“She bowls a lot of wicket-taking balls,” said Knight. “It’s not pleasant facing her in the nets, and I’m excited to see how she thrives in Australia.”
England’s spin attack, led by Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, and Sarah Glenn, is another strength. Former England seamer Anya Shrubsole believes their spin department could pose challenges for Australia. However, England’s seam attack, featuring Lauren Bell and Filer, may need to improve its consistency, especially with uncertainty over Kate Cross’s fitness.
Australia’s Threats
Australia remains a formidable opponent. All-rounder Annabel Sutherland has been in exceptional form, scoring centuries against India and New Zealand and taking key wickets in recent matches. Sutherland’s ability to rescue Australia from difficult positions or capitalize on strong starts makes her a significant threat.
Australia’s younger stars, including Georgia Voll, Phoebe Litchfield, and quick bowler Darcie Brown, represent an exciting future for the team. While their spin and batting depth remain strong, Shrubsole identified a potential weakness in Australia’s pace-bowling depth beyond Megan Schutt, which England may seek to exploit.
Mental and Physical Challenges
England’s biggest challenge will likely be mental resilience. The team struggled under pressure in the T20 World Cup and missed Knight’s leadership. Facing the world’s best in Australia’s intense conditions is notoriously difficult, but Knight believes her team has learned from past mistakes.
“It’s about holding your nerve,” said Shrubsole. “Both teams have points to prove. England wants to win the Ashes back, and Australia will want to keep them while proving their dominance.”
The 2024 Ashes promises to be one of the most compelling series in women’s cricket. If England can maintain composure and capitalize on their strengths, they might finally bring the Ashes trophy home after a decade-long wait.