Nat Sciver-Brunt hit another century as England claimed a Women’s Ashes series draw with a 69-run win over Australia under the DLS method in the third and final One-Day International at Taunton. Victory saw the multi-series format drawn 8-8 on points the same score as when England last avoided Ashes defeat in Australia five years ago and meant England had won both the ODI and Twenty20 series 2-1.
Australia had already retained the Ashes by winning the second ODI in Southampton on Sunday. England trailed 6-0 after the opening two matches of the multi-format series the solitary Test and the T20I opener but rallied to win four of the remaining five white-ball contests. “To win two series against the world champions in both formats is brilliant,” said England captain Heather Knight, who scored 67. “The Ashes had gone the other day and the disappointment came out then. But the character in the side to turn it around here was unbelievable.” Sciver-Brunt scored a fourth century from five ODIs against Australia, and the seventh of her England career in this format. Australia’s target was reduced to 269 from 44 overs by rain and, despite Gardner providing brief hope with 41 from 24 balls, the visitor was bowled out for 199 in 35.3 overs as England ran out comfortable winner to the delight of a capacity crowd. Ellyse Perry top-scored with 53.
