Sciver’s so sad to let Aussies off the hook in epic clash
NAT SCIVER admitted she felt “more sad than happy” after the one-off Women’s Ashes Test ended in a draw with Australia following a thrilling finale in Canberra. England had looked on course for victory, but a batting collapse let the hosts back in. Sciver, who hit 58 off 62 balls, said: “Testmatch cricket can be very emotionally draining and tiring, but then when it comes down to that and you’ve a chance to win... unfortunately I feel more sad than I do happy at the minute. “We’ll be able to reflect on it and hopefully be able to take the positives from today, because we batted so well to get ourselves into that position.
“It felt we were just going to get over the line but unfortunately we weren’t able to. But then obviously saving it became very important.” Australia, who would have retained the Ashes with a win, set
England a target of 257 runs off 48 overs on the fourth and final day.
And with 45 needed off 60 balls and seven wickets in hand thanks to Lauren Winfield-Hill (33), Tammy Beaumont (36) and skipper Heather Knight (48), the visitors looked in command.
But England – hitting out in search of a win – slumped to 244-9 in the 46th over, with Kate Cross and Sophie Ecclestone keeping Australia at bay for the final 13 balls to hold out for a draw.
Knight, whose 48 off 54 balls followed an unbeaten 168 in the first innings, was player of the match.
The draw gives both sides two points, with Australia leading 6-4 heading into the concluding three one-day internationals.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan tweeted: “Great Test match... fantastic declaration to create the chance of a positive result... England surely feel it’s a huge opportunity missed.”
England bowler James Anderson added: “Shame there’s only one Test! Great test match”