An extraordinary milestone in women’s cricket is on the horizon as England gets ready to face off against arch-rivals Australia in the first match of the Women’s Ashes at the illustrious Trent Bridge. An unprecedented crowd in Nottingham will gather to be a part of history, bearing witness to the inaugural five-day Test between the Australian and English women’s teams, set to kick off on June 22.
The hosts, who have their sights set on recapturing the Ashes after nearly ten long years, will square off against an Australian side missing their legendary captain, Meg Lanning. However, even in her absence, the tourists are set to pose a stiff challenge for the home team.
With a valuable four points up for grabs in the standalone Test match of the series, both teams will be aiming for the win, laying the groundwork for the remainder of the Ashes. Even though Australia is considered the stronger team going into the match, Heather Knight and her crew could use the passionate home crowd support to their advantage in this monumental fixture.
Alyssa Healy, stepping up to lead the team sans Lanning, will aspire to draw motivation from their commanding Ashes victory from the previous year, a series in which England couldn’t manage even a single win. Promising performances in the warm-up matches have hinted that this could be the year that England breaks Australia’s longstanding hold on the trophy.
Pitch and Conditions
The Trent Bridge pitch typically provides help for the spin bowlers as the game advances. Nevertheless, seamers can expect a fair degree of assistance in the initial two days. Even with the lateral movement available for the bowlers, teams have historically relished batting at this venue. Thus, the team winning the toss might choose to bat first in the Ashes opener.
Probable Playing XI for ENG-W vs AUS-W
England
Heather Knight’s brigade is entering the battle bolstered by a robust batting performance in their preparatory matches. Tammy Beaumont, who dazzled everyone with a sparkling double-century, is anticipated to extend her rich vein of form against the Australians.
Probable playing XI: Tammy Beaumont, Emma Lamb, Heather Knight (c), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophia Dunkley, Danni Wyatt, Amy Jones, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross, Lauren Filer, Lauren Bell
Australia
On the other side, the Australians will be eager to prolong their reign in the esteemed series. Alyssa Healy will be hoping to lead by example in Meg Lanning’s absence. All eyes will be on the emerging batting sensation, Phoebe Litchfield, who is expected to fill the void left by Lanning’s absence.
Probable playing XI: Beth Mooney, Phoebe Litchfield, Alyssa Healy (c), Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, Darcie Brown
