Experience the excitement of the Ashes as Australia defends 180 runs in a thrilling match at Junction Oval. Relive the drama and key moments here.
Introduction:
Alana King delivered a match-winning spell in front of an overflowing Shane Warne Stand here at the Junction Oval, doing her hero-like justice by scripting a dramatic win for Australia when they beat England in the second Ashes ODI by 21 runs. Now, with their four-point headway in a multi-format arrangement, Australia head into one of the most glorious matches in history.
King’s Career-Defining Spell Defends 180
Australia’s total of 180, the lowest ever defended in an Ashes ODI, seemed to be inadequate but King’s brilliant spell of 4 for 25 proved it otherwise. Kim Garth contributed with 3 for 37 and Ash Gardner economical 10-over spell of 1 for 23 was vital.
See also: Perry and Voll Star as Australia Seal Series with Dominant 122 Runs Victory
King’s legspin was pure magic, destroying England’s middle order with turn and guile. Speaking after the match, King said:
“Having the Shane Warne stand now, yeah, it was pretty surreal to be quite honest, but more happy to get the win.”
England’s Collapse Amidst Australian Pressure
England’s batters contributed to their own downfall with a series of poor decisions and mis executions even as Australia’s bowlers were in their element.
The Turning Point
England were 68 for 2, with captain Heather Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt building a steady 41-run partnership. However, Knight’s leading-edge return catch to Gardner sparked a collapse.
King then delivered two key blows:
Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s dismissal: A classic leg-spinner’s dream delivery drifted into middle and leg, spun sharply, and uprooted the off stump.
Nat Sciver-Brunt dismissed: The star batter closed the face of her bat against the turn, lofting an easy catch to cover.
Alana King’s Mayhem-Filled Final Over
The final over for King summed up the match. Charlie Dean attempted a lap scoop which ended up as an easy catch for Beth Mooney behind the keeper
Sophie Ecclestone nicked a sharp-turning leg break to slip, leaving King on a hat-trick.
Lauren Filer repelled a dropped chance before getting run out in a mix-up with Amy Jones.
England’s hopes lay on Jones, who scored 47 but failed to capitalise on the last over. Her inability to run off a second free hit in the 48th over exposed No. 11 Lauren Bell who was bowled first ball by Tahlia McGrath.
Australia’s Collapse Almost Cost Them the Match
Earlier in the day, Australia witnessed a batting collapse of their own as they lost 8 for 49, being bowled out for 180 in 44.3 overs.
England Players to Watch
English No. 1 bowler Sophie Ecclestone snapped 4 for 35, including the crucial strike against Ellyse Perry.
Alice Capsey: The part-time off-spinner tore apart the middle order with career-best figures of 3 for 22.
Ellyse Perry Saves the Day and the Pressure at the End
Perry’s 60 seemed destined to take Australia close to a powerful total. Elegant boundaries marked her way to a 38th ODI fifty, which she scored by smashing five fours and two sixes. However, Capsey and Ecclestone put on some pressure to prevent Perry from getting nine runs from the last 22 balls.
Perry’s exit, which was lbw against Capsey, acted like a domino effect and failed to make their lower order hot.
Missed Chances and Key Statistics by England
While Australia dropped four catches, England’s poor execution under pressure sealed their fate.
Key Statistics
12 wickets by spinners: The match tied the record for the most spin wickets in an Australian ODI.
Darcie Brown’s first ODI run: Brown, batting at No. 11, scored her maiden ODI run in her 23rd match.
Critical Errors
Sutherland’s no-balls in the 48th over gave England a lifeline, but Jones’ failure to capitalize on a free hit left Bell exposed.
Looking Ahead in the Ashes Series
England’s loss leaves them in a precarious position in the multi-format series. With Australia now holding a commanding lead, England must regroup quickly to keep their Ashes hopes alive.
Conclusion:
Alana King’s brilliance lies in her capability to turn the ball on a dime and to deliver under pressure.
England batting collapsed at middle and lower orders after promising starts.
Perry’s innings had laid the platform, but Australia would look for better consistency from the top and the middle order from here on.