Australia overcome sensational Sciver-Brunt to retain Ashes
Gardner, King take three wickets each to seal victory despite Sciver-Brunt's 111*
Gardner, King take three wickets each to seal victory despite Sciver-Brunt's 111*
Commentator: Ekanth and Ashish
The finish was closer than we expected but the result isn't a surprise. Australia do it again. They clinch another thriller and secure the Women's Ashes. So close yet so far for England. Join us in a couple of days to find out who takes out the ODI series in the decider. For now, it's goodbye from me, Ekanth, and Ashish on comms, and M Venkat Raghav on scoring.
Alyssa Healy, Australia captain: No, not relief. Thought it was a good game. We hung in there. Nat was great. Our girls showed grit and determination. You talk about momentum, Wareham's innings allowed us to take a buzz. We were up and about and it was crucial at the back end. Darcie has put in a good shift, for King to come in and perform right away shows our depth. I have no doubt that anyone in the 15 can do the job. It was stressful in the end but I really enjoyed it. We pride ourselves to win key moments. Bowlers were set in their plan in the end for which I'm grateful. We still haven't played our best cricket. We came here to win the Ashes and we've done that, it's exciting and congratulations to the group for getting it done.
Heather Knight, England captain: Loved the way Nat batted. I thought we had it in the end, credit to Australia. Two brilliant sides, still an ODI series on the line. I was a bag of nerves in the dressing room. The best women's series in my opinion. Unfortunately on the wrong side of the result but need to get back to get the ODI series. I thought after the way we pulled it back in the middle, we let it go in the end. I thought the score was gettable but sometimes you gotta accept and learn things. Disappointed with the series loss. We had the momentum and thought we'd win. Ultimately, we can draw the series and win the ODIs which will be a big achievement. We've played outstanding, Australia have played well and we are equal. It's a hugely positive effort.
Alana King, POTM: Big sense of relief. Stoked that we won and retained the Ashes. All comes down to match-ups. I just need to ready when I can and be ready to take the opportunity when called upon. Gotta control the controllables, just got to be the best team-mate around. Got to do the work behind the scenes. We discussed at the innings break to take it easy. It was a bit swirly with the wind, we tried to assess conditions early. (Will you watch the Beaumont ball on loop) Maybe but no, just stoked to be back on the side. (How long will the champagne last?) I don't know, ask the captain.
shruti: "As i mentioned after aus innings, "king will checkmate England"...!!! 3 crucial wickets. with economical bowling...!!"
Akram: "Sad Fact : Wareham hit three sixes in last over while England couldn't manage to hit even one six in whole inning."
5:51pm: Three runs. That 26-run final over does indeed become the difference. Wareham made the opening breakthrough with the ball as well, King was at her best. England's batters were positive but their aggression went awry in the middle overs and King reaped rewards. All seven wickets taken by the spinners. Nat Sciver-Brunt made a brilliant 111* but couldn't take her side over the line. Beaumont started wonderfully but Dunkley couldn't keep up. Knight, Capsey, Wyatt all got out trying shots that were risky in one way or the other. Beaumont probably got the ball of the match. After NSB and Amy Jones stitched a good partnership, Gardner came on and struck twice to ensure Australia pressed ahead. Sarah Glenn allowed NSB to go big at the end but her 35-ball 22 wasn't enough. Kudos to Jonassen to hold her nerve in the final over and to Gardner, who gave away just six runs in the penultimate over.
5 needed off 1, 4 for the Super Over. Long chat with the Ashes on the line
Ranjit B: "Rooting for a tie! "
7 off 2. Healy standing back
13 needed off 4
Akram: "Remember Bell's last over."
15 off 6. Jonassen
England allrounder has time and again stood up in adverse situations and it is a role she won't relinquish in a hurry
Knight hails series as 'best in history of women's game' as England target outright ODI win
Gardner, King take three wickets each to seal victory despite Sciver-Brunt's 111*