England’s aspirations of securing victory in the one-off Ashes Test suffered a significant setback as they lost five wickets in the final stages of day four. Starting the day at 55-0 while chasing a target of 268 at Trent Bridge, the hosts found themselves struggling at 73-4, with Australia’s Ash Gardner claiming three crucial wickets.
By the end of the play, England stood at 116-5, still needing 152 runs for an unprecedented women’s Test run chase. Sophie Ecclestone emerged as the standout bowler for England, with impressive figures of 5-63, giving her a remarkable 10-wicket match haul. Her inspired performance helped restrict Australia to 257 all out earlier in the day.
In the context of the Ashes, victory in the Test match holds a weightage of four points, which would be shared if the match concludes in an improbable draw. Openers Emma Lamb and Tammy Beaumont launched a fierce attack on the Australian bowlers, but their dismissals in consecutive overs—Beaumont caught at slip off Gardner and Lamb given out lbw to Tahlia McGrath—halted England’s momentum.
The middle order also struggled, with Nat Sciver-Brunt being caught attempting an ambitious slog sweep, followed by captain Heather Knight’s lbw dismissal due to a low delivery from Gardner. A partnership of 37 runs between Sophia Dunkley and Test debutant Danni Wyatt provided a glimmer of hope, but Dunkley’s departure for 16 off Kim Garth’s bowling in the closing overs tilted the game firmly in Australia’s favour.
Australia’s innings earlier in the day began with a solid foundation at 82-0, thanks to England’s lacklustre performance on day three. However, a spirited bowling effort, led by Lauren Filer, who persevered despite a dislocated thumb, and Ecclestone’s continued brilliance, turned the tables on the Australian middle order. The visitors unexpectedly collapsed from 151-2 to 257 all out.
The final day of the Test promises an intriguing battle, with England’s remaining batsmen tasked with an aggressive approach. However, they face a challenge against Australia’s three spinners on a worn pitch that is starting to exhibit turn and uneven bounce. Ecclestone’s unwavering commitment and skill with the ball give England a glimmer of hope.
