England draw Women’s Ashes Test match
15th August 2013England Women ended the Women’s Ashes Test match with a draw after Australia declared on 231 for five, one hour into the afternoon session, setting England a target of 249 from 45 overs.
The morning session saw precision fielding from Lydia Greenway to claim the run out of Sarah Elliott with a direct hit from the edge of the square. Jess Cameron continued the Australian attack before clipping Jenny Gunn to Charlotte Edwards at square-leg and England grabbed another wicket before lunch as Alex Blackwell fell lbw on the sweep to Laura Marsh.
The tourist’s captain Jodie Fields got into her stride in the company of Erin Osborne with the pair finishing unbeaten on 78 and 28 respectively as the declaration came.
After first-innings centurion Heather Knight was run out, fellow opener Arran Brindle reached 20 before offering a return catch to Elliott. But there were no further breakthroughs for Australia as Sarah Taylor and Edwards eased to 38 and 23 respectively, as the hosts reached 93 for two before hands were shaken and both teams awarded two points for the draw.
England Captain Charlotte Edwards said: “We came in today believing we could still win the game and I think that showed in our first session. We believed we could get early wickets and put some pressure on them but it wasn’t to be and I think a draw is a fair result. Both teams really wanted those six points and there was huge incentive to get them.
“Our bowlers have been outstanding throughout this Test match and restricted Australia well. I’ve been really impressed with our opening attack and Heather played a brilliant first innings to get us back in the game.
“We absolutely love the Test match and I hope that came across over the four days. I’m really proud of the team and think the Series is set up nicely heading in to the first ODI at Lord’s.”
The next match in the Women’s Ashes Series will be the first of three NatWest Women’s One Day Internationals and will be played at Lord’s on Tuesday, August 20.