The Women’s Ashes head to Lord’s on Saturday, with England looking to complete stage two of what would be a comeback to end all comebacks.
After victories in the one-off Test and opening T20, Australia were just one win away from retaining the Urn heading into Wednesday night’s T20 at The Oval. However, a terrific batting performance from Danni Wyatt helped England to their first win over the serial world champions since 2019 in front of a crowd of more than 20,000.
Heather Knight’s side still trail 6-2 in the multi-format series and know their slim Ashes hopes will once again be on the line at Lord’s, where tickets sails are closing in on 20,000, but will be buoyed by clearing what the skipper called a “psychological hurdle”. England have renewed belief that they can pull back within striking distance heading into next week’s three ODIs.
“If the crowd on Saturday get to experience what anybody has experienced so far this week at Edgbaston and The Oval then we’re all in for such a treat and another inspiring occasion,” said Clare Connor, England’s managing director of women’s cricket.
MCC members attending the fixture face greater restrictions in the wake of Sunday’s controversy during the men’s Second Ashes Test.
Australian players were confronted by members in the Long Room over the stumping of Jonny Bairstow in an incident the MCC chair, Bruce Carnegie-Brown, says “brought shame” on the club.
The MCC have promised to take a “tougher stance on the general behaviour of members”, with the rope cordon separating players from spectators widened and members barred from the Pavilion staircase area - where several Australian players were heckled - while players are making their way to or from the dressing rooms.
The measures will remain in place throughout the summer before the club conducts a review ahead of next season.
