Australia have retained the Ashes with a thrilling, three-run One Day International (ODI) win over England.
The win came after England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt fell just short in a chase of 283 runs, finishing with 7-279.
Australia’s spinners Alana King and Ash Gardner claimed three wickets each, while Ellyse Perry produced a top score of 91.
The win means Australia have an 8-6 lead in the multi-format Ashes series, so even if England win the final ODI on Tuesday, Australia will have retained the Ashes. This Ashes series has been one of the closest and most thrilling in years.
“For Alana King to come in and perform right away shows our depth. I have no doubt that anyone in the squad of 15 can do the job,” Australia’s Alyssa Healy said afterwards.
“It was stressful in the end but I really enjoyed it! We pride ourselves on winning key moments. The 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.”
King, who took 3-44, said it was great to be called into the Australian side.
“It’s a big sense of relief! We are stoked that we’ve won and retained the Ashes! It all comes down to match-ups – I just need to be ready when I can and take the opportunity when called upon,” King said.
“You’ve gotta control the controllables and you’ve just got to be the best team-mate around and do the work behind the scenes.”
Healy said Australia is still yet to play their best cricket in the series, and would be looking for a win at the next match.
“It’s not a relief. We still haven’t played our best cricket yet, which is a bit scary at times,” she said.
“We are obviously really chuffed. We came here to win the Ashes, and we’ve retained them so far. There is still one game to go, and we’ll be putting our best foot forward. But to know the Ashes are coming back with us is really exciting.”