That’s a wrap from this game, where Australia Women have asserted their dominance once more, completing a clean sweep in the ODI phase of the Women’s Ashes to secure a commanding 6-0 points lead. With everything stacked against England Women, they face an uphill task of winning all the remaining games to reclaim the Ashes. However, taking it one game at a time and believing in themselves will be key. The spotlight now shifts to the T20Is, with the first match scheduled for January 20, 2025, at 8.15 am GMT at the SCG. Plenty of thrills are in store, so be sure to join us early for all the pre-match buildup. Until then, goodbye and take care!

Alyssa Healy, the captain of Australia Women starts off by commenting on the fact that it was her 100th stumping in international cricket and reckons that she's always startled when she comes across these facts. She says that all-round they were pretty good and didn't start well but that's where their depth comes into play. Healy then goes on to give a shoutout to Ash Gardner and dubs her as the best cricketer.

Heather Knight, the skipper of England Women says they bowled brilliantly upfront but the way Ash and Mooney batted was a great inning. Adds that in the chase, they were above the required rate for the most part but lost wickets which cost them the game. Mentions that they will now look to start a fresh in Sydney with the change of formats.

Ash Gardner is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for her maiden ODI ton. She starts by saying that she's been searching for that elusive ton for a long time and being able to sit back and appreciate what she did today was very nice and a pleasing performance from the whole team. Adds that she hasn't scored too many centuries in her life and to do it for the country is a big deal and the way she was supported from the other end was brilliant as well. On her spectacular catch, she says that she misjudged it a bit but knew that the rope was just behind her and let her instincts take over.

It's time for the Presentation Ceremony...

Earlier in the game, England Women rattled Australia early, reducing them to 59/4 in 15 overs, but Ash Gardner turned the tide with her maiden ODI century. She built vital partnerships with Beth Mooney and Tahlia McGrath, setting the stage for a big finish. Georgia Wareham’s explosive cameo pushed Australia past 300. For England, Natalie Sciver-Brunt and Charlie Dean impressed with two wickets each.

But a stunning catch by Phoebe Litchfield to dismiss Danni Wyatt-Hodge triggered a collapse. Megan Schutt quickly removed Alice Capsey, and Alana King spun her magic to dismantle the lower middle order, notching up a five-fer. Wickets tumbled in clusters as England Women succumbed to yet another defeat.

However, the introduction of Georgia Wareham turned the game on its head. She broke the stand by dismissing Tammy Beaumont, then scalped Natalie Sciver-Brunt soon after, swinging the momentum back in Australia’s favour. Danni Wyatt-Hodge, confident from the start, counterattacked alongside Amy Jones, bringing boundaries back into play and making the chase look manageable again.

Chasing a daunting target of 309, England Women needed a strong start but faltered early as Megan Schutt struck twice, reducing them to 29/2. While the pacers dominated, Tammy Beaumont used her feet to disrupt their rhythm but looked tentative, while Natalie Sciver-Brunt appeared composed, steadily ticking along. The duo gradually rebuilt the innings, weathering some half-chances and fielding lapses to form a resilient 89-run partnership, with both reaching well-earned half-centuries.

A commanding 86-run victory sees the Australia Women take a dominant 6-0 lead on points at the conclusion of the ODIs. They now need just one win from the upcoming three T20Is or the one-off Test to retain the Women’s Ashes. What a remarkable effort and statement of dominance this has been!

Lauren Bell is the last batter in for England Women.

Lauren Filer is the new batter in.

Has Ash Gardner pulled off an impossible catch? We have already seen one spectacular catch but this might be one of the greatest ever. The third umpire is called in and the replays show that Gardner took it just inside the ropes, then managed to release it before touching the ropes and charged back in to pouch it safely. OUT!