By the end of play on Sunday, England had reached a score of 116-5, still requiring 152 runs to achieve their target of 268 on the final day. Ashleigh Gardner, who had already taken four wickets in the first innings, continued her impressive form by adding three more wickets to her tally, effectively dismantling England’s top order.
Among the victims of Gardner’s remarkable bowling were key players, including Tammy Beaumont, who had scored a double-century in the first innings. Gardner’s bowling figures of 3-33 in nine overs put Australia in a commanding position. She also dismissed all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt and England captain Heather Knight before stumps were called.
As the final day approaches, England will heavily rely on the unbeaten Danni Wyatt, who managed to score 20 runs, as well as nightwatch Kate Cross, who is yet to score, to lead their chase for victory.
Earlier in the match, England’s left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone displayed her prowess by securing her second five-wicket haul of the Test. With exceptional match figures of 10-192 from 77.1 overs, Ecclestone solidified her position as the top-ranked bowler in the world.
With just five more wickets needed, Australia is edging closer to securing victory in the Women’s Ashes Test. The pressure will now be on England’s remaining batsmen to mount a successful chase, while Australia’s bowlers will aim to maintain their dominance and claim the crucial wickets needed for triumph.
The final day promises an enthralling conclusion to this closely contested Test match, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the outcome of this high-stakes encounter.