AUS-W vs ENG-W, 2025: Australia’s best XI for Ashes ODIs against England

The long awaited Women’s Ashes 2025 Series will begin on January 11, 2025 as England travel to Australia to reclaim the prestigious trophy. This multi-format series promises to deliver exciting cricket, with both teams keen to prove their mettle after a hotly contested previous edition.

A historic rivalry reignites

Women’s Ashes is not just a contest; it’s a storied rivalry that has captivated fans for decades. The 2025 series marks a significant moment as it will feature the first women’s Test match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) since 1949, celebrating the 90th anniversary of women’s Test cricket. Australia currently hold the Ashes, having maintained their dominance since 2014, but England are determined to break that streak and capture the title for the first time in over a decade.

Understanding the Women’s Ashes format

The Women’s Ashes format differs from its men’s counterpart, incorporating a multi-format approach that includes:

• Three One Day Internationals (ODIs): Each win in this format earns the team two points.
• Three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is): Similar to ODIs, wins in T20 matches also give two points.
• A four-day test match: This match is worth four points. In the event of a tie, both teams receive two points.

This structure encourages teams to excel in various formats, making each match crucial in the quest for overall supremacy. The team with the most points at the end of the series will be declared the winner.

Teams with points to prove

Both Australia and England enter this series with something to prove. Australia, despite their historic success, felt a sense of disappointment after their performance in the last Ashes series in England, where they narrowly escaped defeat. They are determined to claim their dominance once again. On the other hand, England will look to build on their recent success in white-ball formats and end their long wait for an Ashes win.

READ also: Women’s Ashes 2025: Can England end 10-year drought against Australia?

Australia’s best XI for Ashes ODIs against England

The upcoming Women’s Ashes series presents an excellent opportunity for the Australian women’s cricket team to showcase their talent and depth. Below is a detailed analysis of the squad’s best eleven for the series against England.

Alyssa Healy (b)

Role: Wicketkeeper-Batsman
Strengths: Healy is known for her explosive batting at the top of the order and her exceptional wicketkeeping skills. Her aggressive style can set the tone for the innings, making her a key player in ODIs.
Expectations: As captain, she is expected to lead from the front, both in terms of runs scored and strategic decisions on the field.

Beth Mooney

Role: beater
Strengths: Mooney is a versatile opener with solid technique and ability to anchor innings while also accelerating when required. His experience in high pressure situations adds significant value.
Expectations: Mooney will be expected to bring stability at the top and turn starts into big results, especially in crucial games against England.

Phoebe Litchfield

Role: beater
Strengths: Litchfield has shown promise with his aggressive batting style and ability to play the spins well. Her youthful exuberance and adaptability make her a dynamic player.
Expectations: As a young talent, he will be expected to seize the opportunities and contribute significantly in the middle order.

Tahlia McGrath (vc)

Role: All of it
Strengths: McGrath brings balance to the team with his all-round abilities, excelling in both batting and bowling. He has a powerful batting style and can make crucial deliveries.
Expectations: As vice-captain, he will be expected to support Healy in leadership while delivering impactful performances with both bat and ball.

Ellyse Perry

Role: All of it
Strengths: Perry is one of the most outstanding players in women’s cricket, known for her exceptional skills as a batsman and bowler. His experience and versatility are invaluable assets.
Expectations: Perry is expected to perform consistently with both bat and ball, especially in the critical phases of matches.

Ashleigh Gardner

Role: All of it
Strengths: Gardner is known for her powerful batting and effective off-spin bowling. He has a knack for taking wickets at crucial times while also being able to accelerate the scoring.
Expectations: With her ability to change plays quickly, Gardner is expected to be the game winner in tight situations.

Annabelle Sutherland

Role: All of it
Strengths: Sutherland has developed into a promising all-rounder with her ability to bowl medium pace and bring valuable runs up the order. His athleticism also improves strength on the field.
Expectations: He is expected to provide depth in both batting and bowling, especially in the latter stages of the innings.

Megan Schutt

Role: Bowling player
Strengths: Schutt is one of Australia’s leading bowlers, known for her swing bowling and her ability to take wickets in powerplay overs. His experience adds depth to the bowling attack.
Expectations: Schutt is expected to lead the bowling attack effectively, aiming to make early inroads against England’s top order.

Darcy Brown

Role: Bowling player
Strengths: Brown has made an impact with his pace bowling and his ability to generate bounce. His youth brings energy to the squad.
Expectations: He is expected to complement Schutt by providing pace options and taking wickets during crucial phases of the game.

Alana King

Role: Bowling player
Strengths: King has developed into a skilled leg-spinner capable of turning matches with her wicket-taking skills. It can be especially effective for spinning tracks.
Expectations: King is expected to play a key role in the middle overs, aiming to stifle runs while taking vital wickets.

Georgia Wareham

Role: Bowling player
Strengths: Wareham’s leg-spin adds variety to Australia’s bowling attack, along with his ability to take wickets at critical times. His fielding skills are also commendable.
Expectations: Wareham will be expected to contribute significantly during the middle overs by applying pressure on the batsmen as he looks for breakthroughs.

READ also: Ashleigh Gardner and Tammy Beaumont defend further Tests in Women’s Ashes series