Women’s Ashes 2019: England Women v Australia Women, 3rd T20I: Preview, prediction, likely XIs

One win in the last match, or even a no-result encounter. That is all Australia Women in the last T20I, a day-nighter at Bristol, need to finish this Ashes tour undefeated, for they had whitewashed the ODIs 3-0, drawn the Test, and lead the T20Is 2-0. It has been as comprehensive a rout as any.

Meg Lanning had had a decent but not spectacular summer till she exploded in the first T20I, slamming the highest ever score in Women’s T20I history. She followed that with a relatively calm 37-ball unbeaten 43 to weather the storm and put Australia Women 2-0 up.

Lanning’s superlative show has put even Ellyse Perry‘s world record – she became the first person across genders to do the 1,000 run-100 wicket double in T20I history – to the background. Perry is yet to be dismissed in the series, has struck at 123, and at 5.60, has been the most economical bowler from either side. Her records in the entire Ashes – 318 runs at 79.50, 15 wickets at 11.80 – speak volumes of her ability and contribution.

Barring occasional glimpses of brilliance from Nat Sciver and Tammy Beaumont, England have generally disappointed with bat. The wily Sophie Ecclestone has been their standout performer (she hasn’t batted too poorly either), but as a team England have not even competed. It will take a stupendous effort to turn things around.

Head to head

England lead 17-16 here, but recency backs Australia: they have won the last 5 matches between these two sides.

Key players

Sophie Ecclestone (England Women): Time and again has Ecclestone tested the Australians in this Ashes without support from the other end. She bowled beautifully in the second T20I (4-0-18-1 against Lanning and Perry) after playing a neat cameo including a clean straight six off Megan Schutt.

Ellyse Perry (Australia Women): Who else but Perry, the greatest contemporary cricketer? She has got runs – and got them at a rapid rate; she has picked up wickets – including the best ODI figures for an Australian – without conceding runs. She has virtually checked every possible box on this tour, and is set to leave with a flourish.

Likely XIs

England Women: Amy Jones (wk), Danni Wyatt, Tammy Beaumont, Nat Sciver, Heather Knight (c), Lauren Winfield, Katherine Brunt, Georgia Elwiss, Sophie Ecclestone, Laura Marsh, Kate Cross.

Australia Women: Alyssa Healy (wk), Beth Mooney, Meg Lanning (c), Ashleigh Gardner, Ellyse Perry, Rachael Haynes, Sophie Molineux, Jess Jonassen, Georgia Wareham, Delissa Kimmince, Megan Schutt.

Prediction

Australia to crush England to complete their rout.