England Women vs Australia Women 3rd ODI: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Although the One Day leg of the Women’s Ashes is decided as Australia have taken a 2-0 lead, the third match of the series has a lot of significance. For starters, points from every match will add up to the final Ashes points table and England would also look to boost their morale before the only test starting on July 18 at Taunton.

England would like to put a big score if given the chance again. In the previous matches, England failed to set a decent first innings score to challenge Australia Women. In both cases they had one decent performer with the bat, however, Nat Sciver and Tammy Beaumont required support. No wonder the captain Heather Knight, as well as other top-order players like Amy Jones, would look to contribute more. Sarah Taylor and Katherine Brunt are expected to overcome the injury issues and play the match. Brunt delivered in both occasions and will be one of the important players for the hosts.

Till now Australia Women have proved their superiority over England Women. Ellyse Perry was the star with bat and ball in both the matches and there were contributions from Alyssa Healy and Delissa Kimmince, with Kimmince taking a five-wicket haul in the last match. Bowling unit has done the trick so far. Megan Schutt was the most economical bowlers in the last two encounters and brilliantly supported by her colleagues. Australia did not have to worry about the chase. The focus for them will be to play the usual and try for a whitewash.

Head to head

The head to head count is in favour of Australia as the tourists have 51 wins against 22 for England. Even on England soil it is 19-16 for Australia.

Key players

Amy Jones (England Women): Amy Jones took her chance with both hands during Sarah Taylor’s absence. Now she has established herself at the top and even after Taylor’s return she will continue as a specialist batter. She had to keep wicket in the last match as Taylor was out due to a niggling ankle. Now she needs to add runs to the scoreboard as well to give England a good start.

Ashleigh Gardner (Australia Women): With Ellyse Perry contributing with both bat and ball the other primer all-rounder Gardner would also like to join the party with a big performance. Till now, she has taken 3 wickets and scored 20 runs batting at number 7.

Likely XIs

England Women: Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones, Sarah Taylor (wk), Heather Knight (c), Nat Sciver, Fran Wilson, Katherine Brunt, Anya Shrubsole, Laura Marsh, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross.

Australia Women: Nicole Bolton, Alyssa Healy (wk), Meg Lanning (c), Ellyse Perry, Rachel Haynes, Beth Mooney, Ashleigh Gardner, Jess Jonassen, Delissa Kimmince, Georgia Wareham.

Prediction

England Women will try for a morale boosting win, but Australia, in all likelihood, will have the last laugh.