SERIES SET TO SIZZLE

Former Aussie keeper and commentator Julia Price was the first female BBL coach. She currently coaches USA women’s team

FINALLY the summer showdown we have been waiting for.

A below par performance from the men’s side has put hope - and pressure - on England’s women’s cricket team against an Aussie side ranked No. 1 in all three formats. But the tourists, ranked three in ODIs and two in T20s, have boldly declared they are ready to “punch first” and stand up to hot favourites Australia.

The preparation for both sides has been similar.

The tweaked domestic pathway in England has provided opportunities for additional players to be seen in The Hundred, The Charlotte Edwards T20 Cup and the 50-over Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy. And a successful multi-format series versus India in July, five-game ODI and three-game T20 series against New Zealand has put pep in England’s step.

In comparison, Australian players have completed a fiercely competitive WBBL season and are currently competing in the 50- over WNCL competition.

The Aussies had their own multiformat series against India in September ... so what will be the difference between these traditional rivals? England has plenty of experience in their squad with a fairly predictable and mostly reliable top six for all formats with opener Tammy Beaumont, captain Heather Knight and Nat Sciver bearing the brunt of runs.

Exciting prospect Sophia Dunkley made a big impact in The Hundred this year and will no doubt feature in this series in the middle order. However, England’s bowling attack will be tested against an Australian batting order that has players queuing up to be selected after consistent performances from old and new.

Bowlers Katherine Brunt, Anya Shrubsole, Kate Cross and Nat Sciver will need to take early wickets against a deep Australian batting line up.

England’s win/loss record favours games in which they take eight or more wickets with the white ball. This means getting through the likes of Top 10 ranked batters Beth Mooney, the dangerous Alyssa Healy and captain Meg Lanning. Not to mention the form of Rachel Haynes’s recent cntury, Elysse Perry’s 120 (94 balls) and Nicola Carey’s back to back 74 and 100* v Qld in the WNCL.

Oh, and in the bowling stocks Stella Campbell claimed 7/25 with a searing display of control.

With the 50 over World Cup in March and T20 Women’s Cricket included in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in late July, this Ashes series provides the perfect platform for these rivals to establish themselves.

For cricket fans this is the super summer showdown that the English men’s team, poor weather and COVID could not deliver.