THE BIGGEST series of the Australian summer is just around the corner, with the Women’s Ashes set to get underway this Sunday.

In stark contrast to hosts Australia, England is very much the underdogs coming into this series. The English have not won the Ashes since the 2013/14 series, so will be hoping that streak does not continue this time around.

Like the Australians though, they have some key players to watch out for and also an injury concern.

The injury concern relates to bowler Kate Cross, who missed last month’s Test Match against South Africa due to back spasms, but has been named in the squad for this series. Time will tell what part she plays in the series.

Captain Heather Knight will be leading from the front this series, and is although mainly a batter, can also bowl a bit too. But with the bowling stock she has at her disposal, she may not have to use herself.

Sophie Ecclestone is one such bowler that is set to bowl plenty of overs this series. The spinner is dangerous with ball in hand, but can also chip in with a handy cameo at the end of the batting innings.

Arguably the most dangerous player in the English squad though is Natalie Sciver-Brunt. She is England’s equivalent of Ellyse Perry, and is someone who can make big scores with the bat and can also take plenty of wickets as a quick bowler.

Alice Capsey is also someone to keep an eye on from an English perspective, particularly in the shorter formats of the series. She has become renowned for creating large scores batting at first or second drop, but can also be a dangerous wicket taker with her spin bowling.  

England Squad

Heather Knight (c)
Tammy Beaumont
Lauren Bell
Maia Bouchier
Alice Capsey
Kate Cross
Charlie Dean
Sophia Dunkley
Sophie Ecclestone
Lauren Filer
Sarah Glenn
Amy Jones
Nat Sciver-Brunt
Danni Wyatt-Hodge

2025 Women’s Ashes Fixture

First ODI: January 12: North Sydney Oval, Sydney, 10.30am AEDT

Second ODI: January 14: CitiPower Centre, Melbourne, 10.05am AEDT

Third ODI: January 17: Bellerive Oval, Hobart, 10.05am AEDT

First T20I: January 20: SCG, Sydney, 7.40pm AEDT

Second T20I: January 23: Manuka Oval, Canberra, 7.40pm AEDT

Third T20I: January 25: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, 7.10pm ACDT (7.40pm AEDT)

Test Match: January 30 to February 2: MCG, Melbourne, 2:30pm AEDT

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