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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Matthew Cooper

Michael Vaughan and James Anderson lead calls for more women's Tests after Ashes stunner

England and Australia played out a thrilling drawn Test in the Women's Ashes, with both sides coming close to completing remarkable wins.

Australia were 216-7 when they declared in their second innings, leaving England needing a record 257 runs to win.

At one point, England looked set for victory, with Heather Knight's side just three wickets down and needing only 39 more runs.

However, Australia fought back and picked up six wickets for just 26 runs, leaving Sophie Ecclestone and Kate Cross to block out a dramatic draw with England nine wickets down.

The result keeps the series alive, with England needing to win the three remaining ODIs to regain the Ashes.

Kate Cross and Sophie Ecclestone saw out a dramatic draw in the solitary Women's Ashes Test (Philip Brown/Popperfoto/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

The Test is the only one that will be played in the multi-format series, which began with three T20Is and concludes with three ODIs.

It is the first Test England have played since drawing with India back in June and there are currently no more women's Tests scheduled.

England and Australia have only played four Tests each since 2015, mainly against each other in the Ashes, while New Zealand have not played one since 2004.

Following the drama of this most recent Test, calls have intensified for more to be played going forward.

On Twitter, former England captain Michael Vaughan wrote: "Great Test match .. Fantastic declaration to create the chance of a positive result .. England surely feel it’s a huge opportunity missed .. More Womens Test cricket in the calendar please .. #WAshes"

England bowler James Anderson also tweeted: "Shame there’s only one! Great test match"

His thoughts were echoed by former England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor, who tweeted: "Shame there's only one test #Ashes"

Former Australia captain Lisa Sthalekar, meanwhile, called for women's Tests to become five-day games in the future rather than four-day games.

"The greatest Test match that I have been luckily enough to be involved in," she wrote. "Thank you @englandcricket @AusWomenCricket for playing such an entertaining game. Now for 5 day Test please"

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