That Test had absolutely everything. I think I changed my mind about who was going to win approximately once every 10 minutes for all five days of the match. But most importantly the possibility of a result always stayed in play. There was no need for sporting declarations to keep the match alive – both teams could play their innings out to their natural conclusion.
There were outstanding individual performances galore. Many people have made the points about Beaumont’s 208, Sutherland’s 137 and Ecclestone’s 10-wicket haul not even managing to crack player of the match honours. Gardner certainly deserved the nod, but in any other match, any of those performances would have got them over the line.
I’ve said it so many times over the past five days – Gardner, Knight and Healy all said it too – but we need more five-day women’s Tests. There is no better advertisement for what five days can offer women’s Test cricket than this match. The second part of the request is that we need more women’s Tests in general. I can’t wait for the day when the women’s Ashes is a Test series and we can see the true ebbs and flows of Test cricket, the selection tactics, the way the captains approach different pitches and more.
I’ve had a wonderful time with you all during this Test, thank you for spending the time with me as we marvelled at the incredible feats of the players from both teams. Australia were sensational, but England really took it to them and made them work very hard for that win. Raf Nicholson’s match report will be up soon – you won’t want to miss that one – so keep an eye out for it and re-live all the drama and excitement from the final day.
Until next time, good night to all my Australian compatriots – enjoy an early night for a nice change - and good afternoon to the readers in England.
An excellent point from Brittany Carter – I know I’m going to be relieved to get to bed at a reasonable hour tonight! It’s been a tough slog for Australian fans with two Ashes series going on.
A big THANK YOU to the @AusWomenCricket for wrapping up this Test match on the final day by 9:30pm AEST for us Australian fans!
— Brittany Carter (@_BrittanyCarter) June 26, 2023
Sleep is hard to come by right now with both Ashes series in action. Is there anything they can’t do? 😍 #WAshes
