England Women are set to face Australia Women in a highly anticipated one-off Test match starting on January 30 at Melbourne Cricket Ground, marking the final chapter of the ongoing multi-format Ashes series. It is the first women’s Test at the MCG since 1949, and the first pink‑ball day-night Test at the ground. After struggling in the preceding limited-overs matches, where Australia claimed victories in both the three-match ODI and T20I series, England will be eager to end their campaign on a high.
The ongoing ashes series has been a challenging affair for England Women. They remained winless in the white-ball format, a reflection of Australia's dominance on home turf. The Australian side showcased their class in both the ODIs and T20Is, leaving England with little room to manoeuvre.
Despite their struggles, the upcoming Test offers England a golden opportunity to restore pride and conclude the series on a positive note. Australia, on the other hand, will be hoping for the multi-format washout with the victory in the One-Off Test as well. Australia have held the Ashes title since 2015.
Ahead of the match, England have been dealt a huge blow with fast bowler Kate Cross being ruled out of the Test due to an injury. Australian skipper Alyssa Healy, on the other hand, has declared herself fit but a final call on her participation into the playing XI has yet to be taken.
Australia Squad: Alyssa Healy (c), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (vc), Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
England Squad: Heather Knight (c), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge