Australia sets a formidable 309-run target for England after Ash Gardner's blistering century and crucial contributions from Beth Mooney and Tahlia McGrath. Georgia Wareham's late fireworks add further pressure on England's chase.
A conversation with a friend from Dublin sparked a memory about Kim Garth's journey as a cricketer. Garth, a prodigy from Ireland, made her international debut at the young age of 14. She even took a brief break from cricket to play Gaelic football for Dublin at 18. Now, she's showcasing her world-class talent on the main stage of the Women's Ashes , demonstrating her ability to vary pace and secure wickets. Just five years ago, Garth's cricketing life took a different turn.
In 2019, she batted at number three for Ireland against Thailand in the Women's Twenty20 World Cup in Dundee. Ireland lost by two runs via the D/L method, despite Garth taking three wickets. Today, she's facing a new challenge, with England needing a substantial total to overcome Australia's formidable 309-run score. The Women's Ashes series has captivated fans with its ability to shift momentum rapidly. When Australia found themselves at 4-59 after 14 overs, with Ash Gardner entering the crease, even the most optimistic supporters would have anticipated a modest total. However, Gardner defied expectations, smashing an impressive 102 runs, her highest ODI score ever, against the formidable Sophie Ecclestone, who had just claimed four wickets in Melbourne. Gardner's remarkable innings was bolstered by a solid half-century from Beth Mooney, while Tahlia McGrath, who had struggled in the first two games with scores of 1 and 2, rose to the occasion with 55 runs. Georgia Wareham, making her first appearance in the series, joined the batting onslaught, plundering 38 runs from just 12 balls, including five fours and two sixes. England's pursuit of 309 will require a herculean effort after the lunch break. Alana King's dismissal caught by Alice Capsey at deep square leg, followed by Kim Garth's single, highlighted the challenge ahead. Wareham's explosive innings, featuring consecutive fours off Sophie Ecclestone in the 48th over, proved instrumental in Australia's late surge. Ecclestone's performance, conceding 59 runs in nine overs without a wicket, marked a departure from her usual dominance. McGrath's resurgence with 55 runs from 45 balls, along with Gardner and Mooney's contributions, formed a formidable pillar in Australia's batting lineup. Gardner's century, achieved after a shaky start, highlighted her immense talent and determination. The crowd erupted in applause as Gardner, visibly moved, removed her helmet, savoring her momentous achievement. Gardner's innings transformed the game for Australia, showcasing her ability to rise to the occasion under pressure. The Women's Ashes series promises to be a thrilling contest, with Australia holding a commanding lead
WOMEN's ASHES ASH GARDNER KIM GARTH TAHLIA Mcgrath GEORGIA WAREHAM AUSTRALIA ENGLAND ODI CRICKET SCOREBOARD BLOG NEWS
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