England came heartbreakingly close to squaring the Women’s Ashes series in a nail-biting second ODI in Melbourne on Tuesday. After bowling out Australia for a mere 180, their batters faltered in a nerve-wracking chase, ultimately falling 22 runs short despite a heroic, unbeaten 47 from Amy Jones.
The day began with England inducing one of Australia’s most spectacular batting collapses. Eight wickets tumbled for just 49 runs as Sophie Ecclestone and Alice Capsey wreaked havoc. Capsey’s off-spin proved pivotal, dismissing a dangerous Annabel Sutherland, denying Ellyse Perry a century, and outsmarting Ash Gardner with a fizzing off-break. Combined with sharp fielding and clever use of the Decision Review System (DRS), England skittled the reigning world champions for under 200—the first time Australia failed to reach that mark at home since 2009.
However, England’s batting lineup faltered. A chase that should have been straightforward turned into a drama-filled collapse, largely due to the brilliance of Australian leg-spinner Alana King, who finished with figures of 4 for 25. King’s devastating spell included a golden duck for Danni Wyatt-Hodge and the prized wicket of Nat Sciver-Brunt. Yet England’s batters inexplicably chose aggression over caution against King in her final over, with Charlie Dean and Sophie Ecclestone falling to ill-advised shots.
Even with England teetering at 125 for eight, Jones refused to give up. Partnered with Nos. 10 and 11, Lauren Filer and Lauren Bell, she inched her side closer to the target. The trio survived a flurry of drama: dropped catches from Australia’s usually flawless fielders, a forced bowling change after Sutherland overstepped with consecutive high no-balls, and tense moments as Jones struggled to shield the tailenders from strike.
The decisive moment came in the 49th over when Megan Schutt bowled Bell, sealing Australia’s victory. England’s defeat left Jones stranded at the non-striker’s end, her valiant effort in vain.
It was a crushing missed opportunity for England, especially after their bowlers had dismantled Australia’s famed batting order. Capsey was a revelation, recovering from a lackluster opening match to claim 3 for 22 in seven overs, including two wicket-maidens. Filer and Ecclestone chipped in with crucial breakthroughs, and their combined efforts ensured England’s hopes were alive heading into the chase.
But the batting faltered when it mattered most. Poor shot selection and miscommunication cost England dearly, with moments like Filer’s near run-out in the 43rd over and Jones’ hesitation in taking a single in the 48th proving pivotal.
Despite the disappointment, England can take heart from their bowling performance and Capsey’s remarkable turnaround. Yet, they will rue the missed chance to level the series and take the momentum into the next match. For Australia, it was a testament to their resilience and ability to capitalize on key moments, even on a day when they were far from their best.
As the series heads into its next chapter, England must regroup and find consistency in their batting if they hope to mount a comeback against the dominant Australians.
