Women’s Ashes 2023: 1st T20I, ENG-W vs AUS-W Preview, Playing XI, Live Streaming Details & Updates

Australia Women’s Team. (Photo Source: Twitter)

England and Australia will square off in the first T20I of the three-match series at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Saturday, July 1. The three-match T20I series is a part of the ongoing Women’s Ashes series. The series kicked off with a one-off Test, which Alyssa Healy and Co. won by 82 runs. Following the T20I series, both teams will square off in a three-match ODI series.

Australia are the favourites for the upcoming T20I series, having last played a T20I match on February 26, 2023, in the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. In the summit clash, Australia defeated South Africa by 19 runs to clinch the title for a record sixth time. The opening batter Beth Mooney was crucial for Australia Women, scoring an unbeaten 53-ball 74 runs in the final, and emerged as the Player of the Match.

England also played their last T20I match during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup earlier this year. Despite falling short against South Africa in the semi-finals, the Heather Knight-led side has had an unforgettable season. If the visiting side maintain their dominant performance, they would have a good chance of winning the opening T20I match of the ongoing Women’s Ashes series.

Pitch and Conditions

Batters will benefit from the Edgbaston Stadium’s batting-friendly surface. The pitch has a neutral playing surface, a powerful tempo, and a bounce, making it ideal for stroke play and allowing batters to demonstrate their batting prowess. A mouth-watering battle is expected in Birmingham and it often benefits fast bowlers and pacers.

Probable Playing XIs for ENG-W vs AUS-W, 1st T20I

England Women

England top-order batters must stay longer in order to build some significant partnerships, whether batting first or second. The bowlers played admirably in their semi-final match against South Africa in this year’s T20 World Cup. Both batters and bowlers will be required to perform well in the T20I match against Australia in order to keep their hopes alive to win the Women’s Ashes.

England Women’s Predicted XI: Danielle Wyatt, Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Heather Knight (c), Amy Jones (wk), Sophie Ecclestone, Issy Wong, Charlotte Dean, Sarah Glenn, Lauren Bell

Australia Women

The Australian top-order batters also must stay longer in order to form some beneficial partnerships during the first T20I. With their amazing bowling abilities, the bowlers are expected to play a vital role for the team in the upcoming match. Sophie Ecclestone, who took three wickets in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa, will be one to watch in the encounter.

Australia Women’s Predicted XI: Alyssa Healy (c & wk), Beth Mooney, Phoebe Litchfield, Ashleigh Gardner, Alana King, Ellyse Perry, Tahlia McGrath, Georgia Wareham, Jess Jonassen, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown

ENG-W vs AUS-W Head to Head

Played – 39 Australia – 18