*Official* Women's Ashes 2025

[Burgey]

Just seemed to me watching the game that her ball striking was as good if not better than anyone on either side. If they’re going to do a rebuild then she’s certainly someone worth persisting with for a decent stretch imo.
Having said that it’s not like I’ve followed them that closely so it could just be she’s had a bit of a one-off night out.

 

[Qlder]

So that's it. Australia have the Ashes so last 2 T20's and the Test are dead rubbers

 

[Molehill]

So that's it. Australia have the Ashes so last 2 T20's and the Test are dead rubbers

Not quite yet, England could still draw the series (they won't).

 

[kevinw]

I think the most disappointing thing is how far short England are from their potential. There is some quality but the basics are poor. After 3 overs there had already been wides, miss-fields and a drop.

I can't see Lewis lasting beyond this series, similar for Knight, Wyatt-Hodge and as for NSB it all depends on how long she wants to keep going for.

Well played Australia, well deserved retention of the Ashes.

NSB is still one of the best batters in the world. I wouldn't make her captain but let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater here. Knight shouldn't be captain after this: up to her if she continues. Wyatt Hodge probably should move on, Beaumont too. I don't know where the young batters are but someone has to step up eventually.

 

[Gremlin]

NSB is still one of the best batters in the world. I wouldn't make her captain but let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater here.

Agreed - I was suggesting it's down to her as to how long she wishes to continue. She is class, but has been prone to injuries of late.

 

[kevinw]

I'd be tempted to say to Bouchier, Dunkley and Capsey that they're in the side for the long run but they need to step up and play with more responsibility and they can't rely on NSB/Knight to bail them out. Grace Scrivens really needs a run in the side as well. She could open or bat in the lower middle order, and bowl a few overs when needed. I always liked Mady Villiers but Dean does her role, though MV is a better bat. Alice Davidson-Richards never really got a fair crack, but she's 30 now so isn't a long-term option. Emma Lamb is another top order bat. I imagine the bowling options are more promising. Matilda Rose Corteen-Coleman is a SLA who had a great Charlotte Edwardes Cup at just 17yo. Ryana MacDonald-Gay might build on her early international career. Tash Farrant still plays? Mahika Gaur has got to come back when possible, and I hope someone can get the best from Issy Wong. Freya Kemp might be an all-rounder at seven. Options there if a coach is brave enough.

 

[Molehill]

I'd be tempted to say to Bouchier, Dunkley and Capsey that they're in the side for the long run but they need to step up and play with more responsibility and they can't rely on NSB/Knight to bail them out. Grace Scrivens really needs a run in the side as well. She could open or bat in the lower middle order, and bowl a few overs when needed. I always liked Mady Villiers but Dean does her role, though MV is a better bat. Alice Davidson-Richards never really got a fair crack, but she's 30 now so isn't a long-term option. Emma Lamb is another top order bat. I imagine the bowling options are more promising. Matilda Rose Corteen-Coleman is a SLA who had a great Charlotte Edwardes Cup at just 17yo. Ryana MacDonald-Gay might build on her early international career. Tash Farrant still plays? Mahika Gaur has got to come back when possible, and I hope someone can get the best from Issy Wong. Freya Kemp might be an all-rounder at seven. Options there if a coach is brave enough.

One other name to watch out for is Katie Jones, keeper/bat in the U19’s, supposed to be a real talent in both disciplines.

 

[TheJediBrah]

Who's idea was it to put the Test last when the "Ashes" will already be decided

 

[kevinw]

Hmmm, bit sensitive to criticism, it seems - https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/...refused-tv-interview-after-ashes-loss-1469826

 

[Spark]

Definitely an improvement from the T20 World Cup. Nice to have the finishers actually come in at the end.

I don't know where this version of McGrath has been for the past year but I'm glad to have her back.

Having a normal batting order certainly helps rather than playing bowlers in the top order!

 

[Molehill]

Hmmm, bit sensitive to criticism, it seems - https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/...refused-tv-interview-after-ashes-loss-1469826

Credit to Hartley really. Most of the pundits fresh from playing don't say what's needed to be said for fear of burning bridges. It should be remembered that she's a World Cup winner too, there's only 3 left in the current squad who can say that and the rest now seem a long way from repeating that feat.

Hartley has done lots for the women's game, she's been a breath of fresh air in the commentary box to the extent where she's clearly won over an old stickler like Agnew. I can get whilst maybe some players might give her the cold shoulder (the truth hurts), but if the coach is doing likewise then it's just another reason why he should be getting his P45.

 

[Spark]

Credit to Hartley really. Most of the pundits fresh from playing don't say what's needed to be said for fear of burning bridges. It should be remembered that she's a World Cup winner too, there's only 3 left in the current squad who can say that and the rest now seem a long way from repeating that feat.

Hartley has done lots for the women's game, she's been a breath of fresh air in the commentary box to the extent where she's clearly won over an old stickler like Agnew. I can get whilst maybe some players might give her the cold shoulder (the truth hurts), but if the coach is doing likewise then it's just another reason why he should be getting his P45.

As with the Mitch Marsh situation earlier this summer, it's the obvious lies from the team management which just make everything worse. Though in this case it seems like it's a lot of the team who is being protected rather than just one player.

 

[kevinw]

Credit to Hartley really. Most of the pundits fresh from playing don't say what's needed to be said for fear of burning bridges. It should be remembered that she's a World Cup winner too, there's only 3 left in the current squad who can say that and the rest now seem a long way from repeating that feat.

Hartley has done lots for the women's game, she's been a breath of fresh air in the commentary box to the extent where she's clearly won over an old stickler like Agnew. I can get whilst maybe some players might give her the cold shoulder (the truth hurts), but if the coach is doing likewise then it's just another reason why he should be getting his P45.

There is little point in commentary and punditry if it's just good PR to the players. They have to be able to say what they see and if that touches a nerve then you work on what you need to work. But you can't make pundits pariahs because you're sensitive to criticism.

 

[Molehill]

As with the Mitch Marsh situation earlier this summer, it's the obvious lies from the team management which just make everything worse. Though in this case it seems like it's a lot of the team who is being protected rather than just one player.

From a fitness perspective, there are only really two players who are obviously out of shape. For me, it's more the regular lapses in the field caused by the complete lack of intensity and the general feeling this is being treated more like a Girls' Holiday than an Ashes Series that annoys the most.

The level of intensity almost seems to be the biggest difference between the teams, more so than basic cricketing skillsets. That's unforgiveable really.

 

[Spark]

From a fitness perspective, there are only really two players who are obviously out of shape. For me, it's more the regular lapses in the field caused by the complete lack of intensity and the general feeling this is being treated more like a Girls' Holiday than an Ashes Series that annoys the most.

The level of intensity almost seems to be the biggest difference between the teams, more so than basic cricketing skillsets. That's unforgiveable really.

Two sides of the same coin though isn't it? A professionally run outfit tolerates sloppy standards in the field just as poorly as they do lax physical conditioning.

 

[kevinw]

I know you have to say this but if this is how the squad feel they're deluded https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/articles/cly4gv32411o

 

[Spark]

I know you have to say this but if this is how the squad feel they're deluded https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/articles/cly4gv32411o

You'd be very concerned if they said they'd just played their best cricket to be fair

 

[Molehill]

You'd be very concerned if they said they'd just played their best cricket to be fair

Saving your 'best' cricket for when the Series is basically lost is probably not the ideal strategy though. And she seems to openly admit that her game awareness is not up to an acceptable level. I presume there was a pretty large scoreboard available for her to look at, whilst you can always ask an umpire how many balls are left. You'd expect better from a 12 year old.

 

[Molehill]

Rinse and repeat. First 3 overs feature a full toss no ball, a missed run out and a dropped catch. Why do England opt to bowl on good pitches?

 

[Shady Slim]

i’ve sooked a lot about erin holland recently but i tell you what, lisa sthalekar has come leaps and bounds as a commentator recently
i used to find her pretty annoying but she’s really got good