The Women's Ashes 2025 is set to captivate cricket fans with a thrilling four-day Test match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, commencing on 30 January. This day-night match will be a crucial component of the multi-format series, which also includes three one-day internationals and three T20s. England faces a significant challenge, as they must win the series outright to reclaim the Ashes for the first time in a decade. Meanwhile, Australia only needs a draw to retain the coveted trophy.
Since 2013, the current multi-format series has structured the competition, yet Women's Tests remain a rare spectacle. England captain Heather Knight, with 13 Tests to her name since 2011, is their most experienced player in this format. However, for the second consecutive year, England lacks a home Test in their summer schedule, highlighting the infrequency with which these matches are played.
"Coming to Australia and taking them on is one of the hardest things you can do in either men's or women's cricket," – Beaumont
Both England's Tammy Beaumont and Australia's Ash Gardner have voiced their desire for more Test matches in the Women's Ashes. Beaumont, on her third tour of Australia, emphasized the significance of achieving victory on foreign soil.
"So if we can come out on top, I think it would be a career highlight for a lot of us and we are confident of that." – Beaumont
Gardner, who was named player of the series in the 2023 Ashes after an outstanding performance with her off-spin, echoed Beaumont's sentiments about expanding the number of Tests.
"I'd love to see three matches of each format," – Beaumont
"From a workload point of view, it would be tricky to fit it in with our busy summers but I would love to see three of each," – Gardner
The upcoming series will see the Test revert to four days, a departure from previous five-day fixtures. Gardner remarked that the one-off Test sometimes feels like "a formality," suggesting that more matches would provide a better opportunity for players to showcase their skills and strategies.
"That's what you love about being an opener, trying to get one up on a bowler and Test cricket allows for that more often. I love pulling the whites on whenever we get the opportunity, so I'll always want to play more of it." – Beaumont
Fans can follow the series closely with ball-by-ball radio commentary on BBC Sounds and live text updates and video highlights available on the BBC Sport website and app. As anticipation builds, both teams prepare for what promises to be an intense and competitive display of cricketing prowess.
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