Australia posted a thrilling 21-run victory England in the 2nd ODI in Melbourne, taking a 2-0 lead in the Women’s Ashes 2025 series. First, Australia posted a modest total of 180, thanks to Ellyse Perry‘s composed 60 and vital contributions from Phoebe Litchfield and Alyssa Healy.
of England Sophie Ecclestone and Alice Capsey wreaked havoc, sharing seven wickets to restrict the hosts. In response, England falter despite Amy Jones‘ tough invincible 47, as Alana King gave a winning performance with 4/25. King’s all-round brilliance earned her the player of the match award, showing composure under pressure. With this win, Australia maintained their dominance in the series.
A durable Australian batting screen
Opting to bat first, Australia’s innings revolved around a sensational knock from Ellyse Perrywho scored a crucial 60 off 85 balls. He steadied the ship after early setbacks, forming vital partnerships with Litchfield (28) and Healy (24). Perry’s elegant batting and ability to spin the strike kept the scoreboard ticking over despite England’s disciplined bowling.
England’s bowlers, led by Ecclestone and Capsey, kept the Australian batters in check throughout the innings. Ecclestone’s accurate line and length took her impressive figures of 4/34, while Capsey’s effective off-spin took 3/26. Their combined efforts, backed by sharp fielding, restricted Australia to what looked to be less than a total of 180.
England’s Struggles Against Alanna King’s Magic
Chasing a modest target, England struggled to build momentum as Australia’s bowlers took advantage of the conditions. Jones was the lone warrior, fighting valiantly with an unbeaten 47 off 72 balls. However, the lack of support from the top class, including early dismissals Tammy Beaumont and Heather Knightleft England’s chase in tatters.
King emerged as the match winner for Australia with a sensational spell of 4/25. Her clever variations and unwavering accuracy tore apart England’s middle class. King’s Gate Danni Wyatt Hodgewith a sharp turn, effectively sealed the game for Australia. Her heroics under pressure highlighted her all-round ability and awareness of the match.
Also WATCH: Alana King picks 50th ODI wicket after dismissing Danielle Wyatt for golden duck | Women’s Ashes 2025
Australia’s bowling attack showed excellent teamwork, with contributions from Kim Garth (3/37) and Megan Shute (1/27). Their relentless pressure ensured that England never gained control, as did the visitors were bowled out for 159 in 48.1 overs. Strategic field placements and disciplined execution were instrumental in Australia’s defense of the modest total.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Amy Jones does not get the single off the last ball of the over and Lauren Bell bowls in the first over of the next.
They are small margins in cricket but these are the things that can decide the Ashes. #Ashes
— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) January 14, 2025
Once the men and women of England have one thing in common, they cannot be defeated. #Ashes
— Vikrant Singh (@vikrantsingh_au) January 14, 2025
How the hell did we win that?! Gee whiz, what a match – England should have won it 😳 #Ashes
— Dani Brown (@itsdanibrown) January 14, 2025
Any Jones didn’t single last ball…lol you are a fool…of course you got it wrong…. the fielder runs without seeing the batsman…. fools everywhere for sure #Ashes
— Get (@Tradergautam) January 14, 2025
Amazing win from Australia. Absolute chaos. Hell of a game of cricket. Crazy capitulation from England. Totally entertaining. #Ashes
— Lachlan Jeffery (@LachlanJeffery) January 14, 2025
Let’s call it what it is @bbctms
It’s ridiculous cricket!! Brainless, stupid cricketer. The players, management, tactics etc.
This England women’s team has been lauded but they are nothing more than fearsome bullies against part-time international teams#ASHES
— Ru55 Mil50m (@Ru55Mil50m) January 14, 2025
Stunning win for Australia pulled off the canvas thanks to Alana King #AUSvENG #Ashes
— Brett Graham (@worldofBG) January 14, 2025
5️⃣0️⃣ ODI Wickets for Alana King 👏🏏#women #cricket #AlanaKing #AUSvENG #Ashes #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/92NThgs6ix
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) January 14, 2025
Alana King finishes with 4/25 from ten overs, her best ODI bowling figures.#Ashes
— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) January 14, 2025
Australia one Test win away from retaining the Ashes.
He could lose the next four white-ball games, win the Test and walk away with the Ashes.
Likewise, one more ODI/T20 win would mean a drawn-out Test allows them to retain the Ashes. #Ashes #AUSvENG
— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) January 14, 2025
I feel for Amy Jones, England’s top scorer, but clearly the pressure got to her during that innings as she made so many bad decisions, terrible running, no awareness of the game and not playing the way her team needed her to play .
I hope he benefits from the experience. #Ashes— Super Wealth Fund (@Edtechx) January 14, 2025
Australia went 4-0 up after defending 180 bowling out England for 159. Amy Jones will be disappointed not to run out the final ball of the over as Lauren Bell is dismissed from the first over.
This is going to hurt. They were SO into it and now they have to dig deep before Game 3
— Georgie Heath🎙️ (@GeorgieHeath27) January 14, 2025
Unfortunately the Women’s Ashes will be before the big game at the MCG .. The Aussies are much better .. they haven’t played anywhere in the first 2 games and are 2-0 #WomenAshes
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 14, 2025
Really good win. Pretty disappointing from England though #Ashes
— Ryan (@RyanLDScott) January 14, 2025
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This article was first published on WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
