THE level head of Beth Mooney has helped Australia win a nail biting first Ashes T20 and move to one win away from retaining the coveted trophy. After England made 7/153 from its 20 overs, Australia took until the penultimate ball to reach their target.

Batting first, a shaky start from England really came back to bite itself in the end, as it found itself 2/26 after five overs.

A 55-run partnership mid innings between Heather Knight and Sophia Dunkley, but they (alongside Amy Jones) were the only ones to make a double figure score with the bat. Not even usual suspects Danni Wyatt or Natalie Sciver-Brunt were able to make more than seven runs each.

Dunkley ultimately top scored with 56, while Jones made 40. Meanwhile for the Australians, Jess Jonassen was the star with the ball, picking up 3/25 from her four overs. Megan Schutt in her return to the line up also starred with the ball, picking up two wickets, while Tahlia McGrath also picked up a wicket.

Australia had a similarly shaky start to their batting innings, but back to back partnerships between Mooney and McGrath and Mooney and Ash Gardner steadied the ship. The Australians had their wobbles along the way, but even with a wicket on the third last delivery still reached the target one ball later.

Mooney was the star with the bat making 61 not out, while McGrath made 40. Meanwhile for the English Lauren Bell, Sarah Glenn and Sophie Ecclestone were all the pick of the bowlers, picking up two wickets each.

Australia’s win sees it move to six points in the overall series standings, and with 16 points on offer for the whole series, as the reigning Ashes holders Australia is in a brilliant position. All the Aussies need to do is win the next T20 match on Thursday morning Australian time to retain the coveted Ashes urn.