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

The highly anticipated 2025 Women’s Ashes series is set to commence on January 11, 2025, as England travels to Australia to reclaim the prestigious trophy. This multi-format series promises to deliver thrilling cricket, with both teams eager to prove their mettle after a closely contested previous edition.

A historic rivalry rekindled

The Women’s Ashes is not just a contest; it is 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 this streak and capture the title for the first time in over a decade.

Understanding the format of Women’s Ashes

The format of the Women’s Ashes differs from its male 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, victories in T20 matches also yield two points.
• One Four-Day Test Match: This match is worth four points. In case of a draw, both teams receive two points.

This structure encourages teams to excel across various formats, making every match crucial in the quest for overall supremacy. The team with the highest 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 historical 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 assert their dominance once again. On the other hand, England aim to build on their recent successes in white-ball formats and end their long wait for an Ashes victory.

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

Best XI of Australia 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 best XI from the squad for the series against England.

Alyssa Healy (c)

Role: Wicketkeeper-Batter
Strengths: Healy is known for her explosive batting at the top of the order and exceptional wicketkeeping skills. Her aggressive style can set the tone for 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: Batter
Strengths: Mooney is a versatile opener with a solid technique and ability to anchor innings while also accelerating when required. Her experience in high-pressure situations adds significant value.
Expectations: Mooney is expected to provide stability at the top and convert starts into big scores, especially in crucial matches against England.

Phoebe Litchfield

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

Tahlia McGrath (vc)

Role: All-rounder
Strengths: McGrath brings balance to the team with her allround capabilities, excelling in both batting and bowling. She has a powerful batting style and can bowl crucial overs.
Expectations: As vice-captain, she is expected to support Healy in leadership while also delivering impactful performances with both bat and ball.

Ellyse Perry

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

Ashleigh Gardner

Role: All-rounder
Strengths: Gardner is known for her hard-hitting batting and effective off-spin bowling. She has a knack for taking wickets at crucial times while also being able to accelerate scoring.
Expectations: With her ability to change games quickly, Gardner is expected to be a match-winner in tight situations.

Annabel Sutherland

Role: All-rounder
Strengths: Sutherland has emerged as a promising All-rounder with her ability to bowl medium pace and contribute valuable runs down the order. Her athleticism enhances fielding strength as well.
Expectations: She is expected to provide depth in both batting and bowling, particularly in the latter stages of innings.

Megan Schutt

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

Darcie Brown

Role: Bowler
Strengths: Brown has made an impact with her pace bowling and ability to generate bounce. Her youthfulness brings energy to the squad.
Expectations: She is expected to complement Schutt by providing pace options and taking wickets during crucial phases of the game.

Alana King

Role: Bowler
Strengths: King has emerged as a skilled leg-spinner capable of turning matches with her wicket-taking abilities. She can be particularly effective on turning tracks.
Expectations: King is expected to play a key role in middle overs, aiming to stifle runs while taking vital wickets.

Georgia Wareham

Role: Bowler
Strengths: Wareham’s leg-spin adds variety to Australia’s bowling attack, along with her capability of taking wickets at critical junctures. Her fielding skills are also commendable.
Expectations: Wareham is expected to contribute significantly during middle overs by applying pressure on batters while looking for breakthroughs.

Also READ: Ashleigh Gardner and Tammy Beaumont advocate for more Tests in Women’s Ashes series