Rivalries don’t get much bigger in the world of cricket.
The women’s Ashes is back — it’s the first series between Australia and England’s Women’s sides in 18 months.
The multi-format series, which features a one-off Test match, three T20s and three One Day Internationals is set to be one of the closest in recent memory, with the Aussies determined to defend their crown.
It’s been a serious wait for the English; last winning the Women’s Ashes in 2014 down under. They have been well below their best in the last two series in particular.
Headlining this upcoming series is the English Cricket Board’s momentous decision to shift away from the usual four-day Test matches to a traditional five, due to the three straight drawn games between the two rivals in that format. The showdown between the two will begin at Trent Bridge with four points on the line and a chance to really put their noses in front in a high stakes series.
It’s a mouthwatering time to be a cricket fan, with the men’s Ashes already underway and another series about to commence. So here’s everything you need to know about the highly anticipated women’s Ashes series in England.
When does the women’s Ashes series start?
June 22, 2023
The 2023 women’s Ashes series in England begins June 22 at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, for the one and only Test match between the two nations this time around.
Considering the significant time difference between the two competing countries, the matches will be on overnight in Australia — the first match from 8:00pm AEST.
All three of the T20s are going to be on before the sun rises down under for the early worms, with coverage starting at 3:35am AEST.
Where is the women’s Ashes? Full schedule (every game, location & dates)
The women’s Ashes is unique in that it contains all three formats across the series with varying points on offer.
The upcoming series will include a one-off Test match, three T20s and three One Day Internationals.
Test: Trent Bridge, Nottingham, June 22-26
1st T20: Edgbaston, Birmingham, July 2
2nd T20: The Oval, London, July 6
3rd T20: Lord’s, London, July 9
1st ODI: Bristol County Ground, Bristol, July 12
2nd ODI: Rose Bowl, Southampton, July 16
3rd ODI: County Ground, Taunton, July 18
How can I watch the women’s Ashes?
Similarly to the men’s Ashes, the women’s Ashes will only be available on Channel Nine and their streaming platform 9Now.
Some of the matches clash with the men’s, so coverage will be split across their channels and Cricket Australia is encouraging fans to check the local guides for the broadcast schedule.
How does the women’s Ashes multi-format system work?
Tests: 4 points
T20s: 2 points
ODIs: 2 points
The multi-format system in the women’s Ashes has forced the series to be based on points instead of just straight wins.
A T20 or One Day International win is worth two points, with a loss worth none, and a tie means the points are split.
Test matches, of which there is just one in the women’s Ashes this time, are worth double; four points on offer to the winner with two going each way in the case of a draw.
Obviously, the team with the most points at the end of the final One Dayer in Tauton will be crowned the winner and awarded the Ashes trophy.
What happened in the last women’s Ashes series?
The previous series happened down under in January and February 2022, which saw the Aussies stamp their recent authority over England with an emphatic 5-0 victory.
The one-off Test match ended in a draw with Australia claiming all three of the One Dayers and walked away 1-nil winner in the T20s.
Tahlia McGrath was awarded Player of the Series, leading the way with the ball and helping out with the bat.
